The Nation Newspaper

Tag: visits

  • Atiku visits Obasanjo

    Atiku visits Obasanjo

    Poor Atiku Abubakar. Every time he gets set to run for the highest office in the land, some invisible but sturdy obstacles are rolled on the way. His political opponents and their friends will reel off a legion of reasons why he should not run. Some will simply say in a most damning manner that he is not fit for the job; a former vice-president not qualified for the number one job?

    He has been derided for changing parties- as if he is the only notable politician who does this routinely. He has just jumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) ship. There are speculations that he plans to rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). That common action has attracted attacks and derisive jokes.

    On the social media has suddenly appeared a caricature of the Turaki Adamawa, smiling, in a doctor’s clinic, a heart monitoring equipment strapped onto his chest and a blood pressure cutt on his arm. The caption: “Atiku undergoing medicals at PDP Headquarters in Abuja. On free transfer.” Some soccer buffs at work, no doubt.

    It is, I dare say, a big credit to his tenacity and sense of purpose that Atiku, like a marathoner, stays the course. He keeps throwing his hat in the ring.

    There seems to be a problem of perception, his minders may have told him. He recently challenged anybody who insists that he is corrupt to come out with the proof or remain quiet forever. Again, to his credit, nobody has accepted that simple challenge.

    Atiku plans to pick the PDP ticket and give President Muhammadu Buhari a run for his money in 2019. Buhari has not said he will run? Will Atiku get the ticket? Nobody can tell, for sure.

    As usual, there have been suggestions, propositions and postulations on how the Turaki should go about his life-long ambition. Of all such suggestions, the most striking seems to be from former President Goodluck Jonathan. He asked Atiku to beg former President Olusegun Obasanjo – Atiku was the vice – president in the Obasanjo presidency – if he must realise his ambition. Obasanjo and Atiku had a turbulent relationship that almost cost the former a fresh tenure.

    The story is told of how Obasanjo grovelled before Atiku to get the governors’ support ahead of the crucial PDP convention. Those who claim to know Baba Iyabo closely – they are few, I am told – have sworn that was sacrilegious. The Ebora Owu, they stress, would surely take his pound of flesh in a bigger measure. He takes no prisoner.

    The Jonathan advice sparked a round of questions and speculations. Why should Atiku beg Obasanjo? What is his offence? Does anybody need Obasanjo’s endorsement? Will he speak for potential voters? Is the PDP ticket in Obasanjo’s pocket? Did Jonathan prostrate for Obasanjo when he wanted to run?

    The questions are so many. Some of them are ridiculous; others simply absurd. Besides, many have been suggesting how a meeting of Obasanjo and Atiku will go, if it ever happens. Here is one of such imaginary scenarios of such a meeting:

    Obasanjo springs up from a seat in his expansive sitting room as soon as Atiku is ushered in. He smiles briefly and offers a handshake. Atiku throws himself at him for a hug.

    “Please, sit down. Good to see you again. I’m sorry I couldn’t give an earlier appointment. I’ve been travelling. The problem in Zimbabwe, Kenya and so many others. Anyway, what brings you this time?”

    “Baba, I thank you for your time, for receiving me despite your tight schedule. I won’t take much of your precious time sir. I bring peace. You’re our leader; our pillar. We do not think it will be wise to take any important step without informing you and carrying you along.  In this country today, nobody can say you don’t count. You are not just an ordinary person; you’re an elder statesman. And…”

    Obasanjo cuts in, raising his right hand. “Please, go into the specific. What exactly do you want? That long introduction seems to be confusing. Straight to the point.”

    “Baba, I’m running and I wish to get your blessing.”

    Smiling, Obasanjo looks straight at Atiku, his visage betraying some incredulity. “You ’re running? Where to? Why? Is anybody pursuing you?”

    “No Baba. I’m planning to contest the presidency on the platform of our great party, the PDP. And I am honoured and privileged to be telling you this so that I can receive your blessing. Former President Jonathan and many other eminent Nigerians have advised me to visit you and settle whatever differences we may have. This is my mission sir.”

    “Hee he. Jonathan asked you to come here? Am I in their party? Please, I’m a statesman. I announced it that I’m no longer a politician. When I resigned from PDP or whatever they call themselves, I didn’t do corner corner o. I tore their card. So, if that boy, em…eeem…eeeem… Jona, is telling you to come and you’re coming here, is he sincere? I remain a farmer and a statesman. One million Atikus can’t change that whether they are running or walking or flying. I’m sorry, Mr Atiku.”

    “You seem to be getting it all wrong sir. I’m not asking you to come out of retirement and campaign for me. No. I’m only informing you and asking you to bless me so that I can succeed.”

    “Again, I’m not a politician. Are you listening? I’m too honest and frank to remain in that circle – of lies, backstabbing, intrigues and corruption. Deceit. No. I’m done. My politics now is Nigeria. Anybody who says Nigeria will not rise and move forward, I am ready to go konkobilo with that person. So, oga, that is my position.”

    “Baba, I salute your sincerity – and courage. You are not the type who will deceive anybody to score cheap political points. You’re blunt. There are many of us in the race. That is why I crave your endorsement. You must have an opinion on this important matter.”

    “Yes. I have heard that some of you are warming up. I’m not the type that fears. I have my opinion on each and everyone of you. The other boy (wetin be im name now o?). Obasanjo scratches it aggressively. He looks up and continues.

    “Makarfi. Yes; I hear he too wants to contest. I know he used to be governor of Kaduna. He was a senator. And now chairman of what they call Caretaker Committee. Hmmm…

    “Sule Lamido is my boy, but dem say he get baggage. And you know Buhari is a soldier. He will simply ambush him and that will be the end of the matter.

    “Buhari sef. I said so that he will not steal. He will fight corruption and jail all the thieves making noise and gallivanting all over the place. But Buhari may not do well in the economy. I said so. No be so?”

    “Baba, I thank you for your insight. The words of our elders… . Do I take it that I have your blessing to pick the PDP ticket for 2019?”

    Hmm…hmmmm…hmm (Obasanjo clears his thrioat). “PDP my foot. I don’t care who gets the PDP ticket. Dat one na dem toro. I’m not a member and I don’t plan to be one. Let them sell it or give it or dash it to whoever they like. Me o, Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo, I don’t care. A statesman I will remain. I thank you for visiting.”

    A crowd of reporters and photographers have set up a camp outside the door. As Obasanjo and his guest emerge from the main house, they spring up onto their feet and rushed towards them.

    “Baba, good afternoon. How are you sir?”

    Obasanjo, smiling without showing his teeth:”I dey kampe, as you can see.”

    “How did the meeting go?”

    “Which meeting? No meeting o. You know Christmas will soon be here. The former VP came to wish me merry Christmas. Is anything wrong with that? And I wish you all Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.”

    After a handshake with Obasanjo, Atiku walks briskly towards his car, adjusting his agbada. The reporters rush to catch up with him.

    “Sir, how did it go? Is it true you came to tell Baba to support your ambition? Did he promise to back you?”

    “Baba has spoken and that is all. I have no comments – for now. Have a nice day, my friends.”

    An aide opens the door. Atiku jumps in and the car rolls out of the large compound.

    The Maina roadshow returns

    After a short break, the Abdulrasheed Maina  roadshow is back. The fugitive civil servant, in an interview with Channels Television from an unstated location, has been reeling off incredible facts and figures emanating from his work as the head of the controversial Pension Task Force Team.

    Perhaps out of ignorance or sheer sense of impunity, some key government officials have allowed themselves to be roped into the Maina mess. There are desperate efforts to bring in President Muhammadu Buhari.

    It is too early to pronounce Maina guilty. He should forget about the threats he claims are being issued against him and return home to clear his name. In the court of law, he will be allowed to say all he knows about how trillions of naira have been creamed off neatly and roughly from the pension funds.

    It is sickening enough that Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, his Interior counterpart Abdulrahman Dambazzau and others have been named in the botched bid to reinstate and reward Maina with a promotion. But this should not be the main issue. Who are the fat cats who fed on the huge pension funds? Who took what? Where is the cash Maina claims to have recovered? From who?

    Until these and other questions are settled, the Maina matter will remain an arrow shot right at the heart of the anti-graft war. It must be resolved – fast.

  • Osinbajo visits Akwa Ibom today, to commission projects

    Osinbajo visits Akwa Ibom today, to commission projects

    VICE President Yemi Osinbajo is expected to visit Akwa Ibom today. While in the state, the Vice President will inaugurate a 350 million per annum capacity syringe factory and a metering factory in Onna Local Government Area. Osinbajo is also expected to inaugurate a reconstructed General Hospital in Etinan local government area of the state.

    The inauguration of the multi-millionnaira projects is part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the State, Charles Udoh, while briefing the press on the activities marking the 30th anniversary, had hinted the syringe and metering factories were the outcome of the industrialization drive of the Udom Emmanuel administration.

  • US Consulate visits Nigerdock on agenda setting for Bilateral Policy

    US Consulate visits Nigerdock on agenda setting for Bilateral Policy

    A delegation of the United States Consulate General, led by the Deputy Economic Counsellor, Joel A. Kopp, has visited Nigerdock at Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ) in Lagos. The team has an advisory role to the U.S. government in shaping bilateral policy for Nigeria.

    Speaking during the visit, the U.S. delegation reiterated interest in Jagal as a success story despite the challenges businesses face in Nigeria. Success stories help to lay the groundwork for a stable business environment.   Such will be conveyed during the proposed visit of the U.S. Congressional delegation to Nigeria.

    The delegation praised Nigerdock for its doggedness in the face of challenges.  Mr. Osman ‘’Oz’’ Tat, who is the Political /Economic Section chief, stated that ‘‘the story of Jagal is heartening and a good story of a company deciding not to be bogged down by challenges; forging ahead, no matter the odds’’.

    He stressed the need for friendly economic policies to  attract investors.

    The delegation toured Nigerdock’s facilities, including its upgraded logistics and supply services base, with its full suite of services, including 24/7 direct access quay sides, warehousing and laydown areas, diesel and potable water storage, waste management and an array of handling equipment.

    Nigerdock is a wholly owned Nigeria company with diverse capabilities to support highly complex oil and gas projects.

  • Before Ambode visits

    While most government officials in Nigeria will take a day rest on May 29 to mark this year’s Democracy Day, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State will be at work. He will, among other things, commission the Ajah Bridge in Lekki Peninsula. A year and a half year ago, Governor Ambode was at Ajah Roundabout to see for himself the traffic gridlock which has defined life in the Ajah axis and promised that the roundabout would in 18 months give way to an overhead bridge to ease traffic. Exactly 18 months later, he is coming to commission the bridge. Ambode is a promise keeper. He has stepped into the shoes of his predecessors, Lateef Jakande, Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola. And Lagos is the better for it.

    The bad news is that the ease of traffic arising from the new bridge will last for just a few months. Like much of the peninsula, Ajah is a physical planning nightmare. For instance, there is only one road linking the whole of Ajah, Langbasa and Badore which have between them over 100 housing estates, with most occupied by those known as upward mobile families. People usually leave their homes well before 5am so as to get to their offices on Victoria Island before 8am. From Badore to Victoria Island used to take some 30 minutes.

    Traffic in Ajah will be enhanced tremendously in the area if the road linking Abraham Adesanya Estate with Oke Ira is constructed. The plan to build this road has been on the drawing board for several years. Governor Ambode can enhance his place in history if he gets it done immediately. He can accomplish it almost effortlessly. He is bubbling with energy and dynamism.

    The Ajah-Langbasa-Badore axis was conceived to be a model place in line with the vision of the Lekki and Ibeju areas forming what is called the New Lagos. But the place is fast turning into an environmental mess. To appreciate the gravity of the situation, the governor is called upon to pay an unscheduled visit before commissioning the Ajah Bridge.  Often when a top government official goes on a scheduled visit, officers who have been sleeping on duty put up an artificial show of beauty to deceive him or her. Ambode should not fall for this trick.

    If the governor visits the Ajah-Langbasa-Badore axis unannounced, he will most certainly be taken aback by the dereliction of duty by various ministries and agencies. The eight-kilometre Ajah-Langbasa-Badore Road which was constructed nine years ago has failed in four places. The Lagos State Public Works Agency worked on only one spot last year for just a few hours and then fled. The place is worse now. The result is endless traffic gridlock, all the more so during the rainy season. The one-kilometre road which the Tinubu administration built for fishermen in Badore, now called Catholic Mission Street, is a shambles. It does not look like a street in Ambode’s Lagos but a street somewhere in Sierra Leone after the recent primitive war by savages like Foday Sankoh and General Mosquito.

    Our governor will be shocked to learn that practices not permitted in other parts of Lagos metropolis flourish here. Heaps of garbage decorate public spaces. Shanties and shacks are ubiquitous, making a provocative mockery of the state government’s Cleaner Lagos Initiative. The drainages are filled to the brim but also blocked. They are not cleared by either the local development council or the Drainage Department of the Ministry of the Environment. The health implications are axiomatic. They breed mosquitoes on a grand scale. If care is not taken, they could soon begin to breed the kind of rats which transmit the extremely dangerous and highly infectious Lassa fever.

    The Ajah-Langbasa-Badore Road, which is the only tarred road in this part of Lagos, is practically overtaken by heaps of sand which have in some parts reduced the dual carriage way to a single lane. Over 200 tippers ply this road daily, making at least 400 trips every day. Considerable sand drops from the trucks each second on this road without being swept away. Once in a while, we find three or four sweepers on this road working leisurely for a couple of hours when over 20 dedicated sweepers are required. The pressure on this road by the big trucks which lift sand dredged at the sites in Ajah is humongous. The state government must address this activity.

    Driving from Lekki Phase 1  to Ajah at night is often a delight because of the beautiful street lights. It used to be the same experience from Ajah through Langbasa to Badore at night when Ambode introduced the radical programme of lighting Lagos. But since the bulbs in the Ajah-Langbasa-Badore axis began to die, there is no evidence of any effort to change them. This axis now looks at night like the heart of darkness.

    It seems the numerous street beggars taken away by the state government from Ebute Metta some years ago found their way to Ajah. They operate in large numbers. The sight and activity of these unfortunate Nigerians, who are mostly with all kinds of physical deformities, are not reconcilable with the Cleaner Lagos Initiative or Lagos status as a megacity. Also not compatible with modernity is the insistence of some religious organizations on turning their speakers to the highest volume during service. This is a clear violation of the law against environmental pollution. Whereas the government has closed down some organizations in the state for acting in brazen violation of the law and prosecuted the culprits, those committing the offence in the Ajah-Langbasa-Badore axis have not felt the full weight of the law.

    Acting with impunity has consequently become a way of life for religious leaders here who think God is hard of hearing and so they need to scream to the heavens for their prayers to be heard. They build churches and mosques on this major road with no provision for vehicles. Worshippers are forced to park right on public road, causing traffic congestion. The authorities must do something about this practice. Francis Fukuyama has argued eloquently in The End of History and the Last Man that some people in the third world “still live in the primitive age of mankind”.

    Finally, Gov Ambode has to ensure that traders at the Ajah Market do their business in accordance with government regulations. The market has illegally spilled into the road, causing traffic problems. In like manner, both commercial motor cyclists and tricycle operators here must be made to conduct their business in a way which does not conflict with public interest.

    Ambode has made a bold statement with the Ajah Bridge. He deserves our support and commendation.

     

    • Adinuba is head of Discovery Affairs Consulting.
  • Aregbesola visits Ile-Ife, calls for calm

    Aregbesola visits Ile-Ife, calls for calm

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday visited Ile-Ife to assess the level of destruction, following Wednesday’s violent clash between indigenes and Hausa.

    The violence claimed more than 10 lives and many were injured with property, including cars and houses, razed.

    Accompanied by Deputy Governor Titi Laoye-Tomori and other government officials, Aregbesola arrived the scene at about 4pm.

    Addressing residents at the Ooni’s palace, the governor said it was disheartening that such wanton destruction could be experienced in Ife after the tragedy of Ife/ Modakeke war about 15 years ago.

    According to him, northerners in Ife have become part of the community and could not be regarded as strangers as many of them were born in the town.

    Aregbesola, who warned against a recurrence, promised to arrest the perpetrators and prosecute them.

    He said: “This is the cradle of mankind according to the belief of the Yoruba.

    “A revered town of this pedigree should not be in the news for bad things.

    “This is the land of peace and love, we have not experienced this in the last six years, and I believe such thing would never happen again.”

    The Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, regretted the incident, which he said was avoidable.

    The monarch said Ife people are hospitable and accommodating, noting that  northerners were familiar with the town as many of them were born there.

    He said: “I have personal relationship with the Hausa settlers at Sabo.

    “I know many of them.  They consider this palace their second home, but it is obvious that the crisis was aggravated by external influences.

    “I believe security operatives will do their job and arrest the perpetrators.

    “At the peak of the crisis, I had to act quickly with the chiefs to rescue over 1,000 northerners.

    “I have been calling some traditional rulers in the North to intimate them about  the true situation of things.”

    The monarch called for one minute silence for the victims.

    No fewer than seven persons have been arrested by the police.

    Thirteen victims are receiving treatment in a clinic at the Ife Area Commander’s office.

    Several others with more serious injuries were referred to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital.

    A police source, who pleaded for anonymity, said the suspects are being interrogated.

    “They will be charged to court after investigation.”

    The source said the Force Headquarters, Abuja, has ordered the state command to restore peace and order by all means.

    He said the acting police commissioner, in compliance with the directive, has temporarily relocated with some of top police officers to Ife.

    Peace has returned to the ancient town but the curfew imposed by the government persists.

    It was gathered that Hausa are fleeing the town. Some of them sought refuge at the Area Commander’s office to avoid further attacks.

  • Bank of Industry visits filmmaker on set

    Bank of Industry visits filmmaker on set

    Having financed top film projects such as Biyi Bandele’s Half of a Yellow Sun, Michelle Bello’s Flower Girl and Kunle Afolayan’s The CEO, the next indication of Bank of Industry (BOI)’s support for Nollywood has emerged in Queen Amina, a period story of the legendary Hausa Muslim warrior queen of Zazzau.

    Top officers of the Bank; Mrs. Cynthia Nwuka, Group Head, Creative Industry and Mr. Okey Madu, Assistant Manager were, last weekend, at Shere, a desert and current set of the movie located in Jos, Plateau State, where more than 200 cast and crew members were shooting a war scene that exemplifies one of the travails of the historical queen, played by Lucy Ameh.

    Produced by Okey Ogunjiofor of the Living in Bondage fame, Queen Amina is the second in production, in the series of more than a dozen film projects which have already received a nod from the development bank under the BoI Nollyfund (BNF) scheme, an initial program limit of N1.0billion in easy-access single-digit interest loans.

    Nwuka and Madu arrived the location in the company of veteran Hausa actor and member of the Advisory Board of NollyFund, Alhaji Sani Muazu, and were received by Ogunjiofor and the director of the movie, Mr. Izu Ojukwu, a notable director of epic movies in Nigeria.

    Ogunjiofor who got N50million from BOI for the project was glad to receive the Bank’s officials, introducing cast and crew members as he conducted his quests round some of the equipment on set.

    It was an unusual site for a typical Nollywood film, with state-of-the-art equipment, soundless generating set, location vans, original props, period costumes, and passionate cast and crew members who were excited by the opportunity of being part of a global African story.

    Ogunjiofor, who produced the acclaimed Nollywood pathfinder, Living in Bondage in 1992 is optimistic that this next major project, although coming 20 years after, will make him more prominent than his first movie.

    “I have researched the story of Queen Amina in the last 20 years, and I’m glad that the opportunity to bring it to life has finally come,” he said.

    Nwuka encouraged Ogunjiofor to be steadfast despite the challenges he might encounter in the course of the movie. “You are likely to encounter some challenges as it is with every production. But when that happens, let us know on time so that we can join hands to block it and move on. Before we got to this level with the Nollyfund, it wasn’t easy. I have always said that if Kene Mparu of Filmhouse did not prove that the feat we have attained with Nollywood now is possible; if Kene didn’t run with this assignment, we won’t be where we are today. So we should make it possible so that others coming behind can take it further,” she advised.

    Ogunjiofor however described the cast and crew as die-hard people who would surmount the challenges of the terrain to ensure a successful output. “We are working, and I can assure you that when you see what we have done, you would beat your chest and say we are in the right direction.”

    On the composition of the actors, Ogunjiofor said: “I’m using all-Northern cast to tell this story. I’m using a mixture of Nollywood and Kanywood to build a bridge. What I did for Nollywood in the South that has created a huge industry is what I’m transferring to the North so when I leave the North after this production, the North will never be the same again because all the people we have trained now on how to ride horses and fight with the sword are not Igbos neither are they Yorubas. They are all from this side and these skills are with them now. We are doing this film right in their presence and a lot of them are getting trained at the same time. So, when we leave they won’t go back to doing less of what they are doing now and I am happy that the superstars of the North are all here,” he said, referring to the likes of Ali Nuhu and Sani Danja. “And we have the permission of anybody who is ‘anybody’ in the North in terms of royal lineage for this story, so there is no stopping us,” he told Nwuka.

    The ace producer also spoke highly of his crew members whom he said are experts in their various fields. They include, Izu Ojukwu who is the driver of the whole picture; Peter Kreil, a specialist in lighting and pictures from Austria who is the DOP;  Dagogo Diminas who is handling Make-up and Millicent Jack who is in charge of costumes.

    Ogunjiofor expressed his gratitude to all partners when he said, “Of course we are in collaboration with Clink Studio and our back bone is Bank of Industry, and a little support from with Project Act-Nollywood. So, these are the people who are making my dreams to come true. There are so many other ones; I have the permission of the Emir of Zazzau because, of course this is his story. Washington has been on this case with me for a long time but I am happy that very soon they will be happy that what they have always wanted to do with me is seeing the light of the day.”

    Nwuka expressed satisfaction at the level of work so far on the project, saying that the passion of the filmmakers can only encourage BOI to continue its support for Nollywood.

    “We are optimistic that filmmakers like you with track record of quality will prove it again. And this can only help to expand the Nollyfund scheme from the initial N1.0billion earmarked. It is our believe that as we produce international standard movies through this partnership, there would be the need to expand our chain of exhibition outlets such as Filmhouse, Viva cinemas, Ozone cinemas and others in the country, even as we get the best out of our accredited indigenous movie studios,” she said.

    Expressing confidence on the project, Nwuka said she was on location to show her Bank’s support for the cast and crew.

    Despite the perceived dearth of auditable business structure among Nollywood practitioners, BoI’s support for the motion picture industry has evolved in a series of joint investments with filmmakers through a well-guided easy-access single-digit interest loans.

    The special product enables Nigeria’s leading movie producers receive financial support to produce international quality films and screen them through various platforms of movie distribution available both in Nigeria and internationally.

    During an interactive session with Bank of Industry’s Divisional Head, Large Enterprises, Mr. Babatunde Joseph, at the just concluded Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, he noted that the NollyFund was created to give an opportunity to Nollywood stars and fillmakers to make films, tell their stories and also make their profit, while helping them with various distribution platforms in Nigeria and Africa at large.

    Interestingly, the Bank has already accredited some reputable Distributors such as G-Media, Filmone Distribution Company, Silverbird Distribution Company and Genesis Deluxe Distribution Company, as well as  Studio Operators such as Fans Connect Online Nigeria Limited (i.e. Afrinolly), Kingsley Ogoro Productions Limited and 4Screams International Nigeria Limited) to support this initiative.

    It would be recalled that the Bank of Industry had in the recent past, financed creative-industry projects such as Half of A Yellow Sun, Flower Girl, Digitization of Silverbird Cinemas, G-media and establishing of Filmhouse Cinemas, Viva Cinemas and Ozone Cinemas among others.

  • Audu visits victims of ‘PDP attack’

    Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the November 21 election Prince Abubakar Audu yesterday visited the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Lokoja, the state capital, where the party’s members allegedly attacked by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters on Monday, were receiving treatment.

    Audu, who consoled the victims, noted that the party would pay for their treatment.

    The APC candidate decried persistent attacks and threats of attack by the ruling PDP in the state.

    He urged the APC supporters not to take the law into their hands, adding that a complaint on the attack had been lodged with the police.

    At least 23 APC supporters were reportedly injured, following an ambush by thugs suspected to be PDP supporters at Igalamela, Odolu Local Government Area.

    Kogi APC Governorship Campaign Council’s Chairman Humphrey Abah said the party’s supporters were returning on Monday in six buses from a rally at Ajaka at 6pm when they were allegedly ambushed at Akpanya-Odolu intersection by suspected PDP thugs.

    The campaign chief alleged that the attackers used axes and cutlasses to injure the APC members.

    He said the thugs, led by a prominent PDP chieftain in the area, broke the windscreens and windows of the buses.

    Abah said two of the victims were unconscious and rushed to the FMC in Lokoja on Audu’s directive.

    But the PDP in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area distanced itself from the attack.

    Its chairman in the area, Mr. Isah Adejoh, said the allegations were false and unfounded.

    Adejoh said the party had been preaching against violence He hailed security agencies for sustaining the peace, adding that the party would continue to appeal to youths for peace to endure before, during and after the election.

    The member representing Igalamela/Odolu in the House, Elder Friday Sani, urged PDP supporters to be law-abiding and shun violence.

  • AIG Zone 11 visits

    The new Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 11 (Ondo, Osun and Oyo States) , AIG Kalafite Helen Adeyemi, has assured AAUA of her support.

    Adeyemi, who visited with some officers of her Command, said she had been briefed on the cooperation between the university and the police, particularly, in the areas of information dissemination and the fight criminal activities.

    She thanked the university and promised to reciprocate the cooperation.

    She said: “On our part, we want to assure you that the Police in Ondo State will continue to cooperate with you. We will treat all information received with uttermost confidentiality; and we want to assure you that we will ensure that your university is rid of all criminal activities.”

    She noted that security of lives and property could no longer be left in the hands of the police, hence, the need for synergy with all stakeholders.”

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, expressed the varsity’s satisfaction with the performance of the police in the state.

     

  • Wike’s tricky visits

    By virtue of their office,  governors do not move anyhow. Their schedule is planned in detail and everything is done according to protocol. Without the protocol say so, a governor would not move out of his home or office. So, whenever a governor moves, it means all loose ends have been tied. The all-clear  to go is critical because of the governor’s safety and security.

    A governor is not supposed to visit any place on the spur of the moment. To do so will amount to disrupting  the security arrangements for his movement. In an impromptu change in a governor’s itinerary, his security aides may be stretched in order to ensure his safety. A governor is a charge of the state, which is responsible for his welfare and security. But some governors, out of mischief,  dump protocol and insist on doing things their own way.

    And when the bubble bursts, they try to defend the indefensible. They make up stories to cover their self-serving action, forgetting that the people are wiser than they think. I have not ceased wondering since the story broke why a governor with a case at the tribunal would go to the Supreme Court to see the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Mahmud Mohammed. Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike called at the CJN’s office not once, but twice. With a petition challenging his election before a tribunal sitting in Abuja, where the CJN has his office, there is more to that visit than meets the eye.

    If The Punch had not broken the story of the inexplicable visits, chances are that Wike and his aides would have pretended as if nothing happened. As a lawyer whose wife is also a judge, Wike is expected to know that you do not visit a judge, whether in your private or official capacity, when you have a matter in his court. Even if he has a matter before his wife, she is not expected to discuss the case with him at home because like her fellow judges, she is expected to dispense justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will to all manner of men.

    Wike may argue that his case is not before the CJN, but he should not forget that the tribunals were set up by the CJN, who while inaugurating them warned that they should shun corruption. By trying to see the CJN, Wike’s intention was to go right to the top to pull strings in respect of his case.

    Wike knew what he was doing by embarking on those two visits in three days – between July 6 and 8. He knows that the CJN wields enormous influence over the tribunals. So, he thought by sweet talking the CJN, his lordship could be made to get the tribunal to play ball.

    The governor will never admit that he had ulterior motive in going to the CJN’s office without appointment; no he will never. He will defend his visits with the last drop of his blood, if need be,  because what he went there for is not for public consumption – it is not something the ears should hear. His reasons for the visits are puerile. He said he went to see the CJN to thank him for sending Bayelsa State Chief Judge Justice Kate Abiri to swear him in on May 29 and over the vexed issue of a chief judge for Rivers.

    ‘’I didn’t go there to lobby for anything cynical. If I was going to lobby for anything like that, would I go in the afternoon? You may wish to know that we have an acting chief judge in my state, and the judiciary is already on vacation and that the National Judicial Council (NJC) may also be on vacation. So, I needed to do a letter to the NJC on the need to extend or approve the appointment of the acting chief judge in my state. I went there on the two days in daytime; and see Nigerians, they are already imputing another meaning to the visits’’, Wike said.

    Yes, we are already talking because he did not exhibit utmost good faith. The governor did not act honestly under the circumstance. Who were those who followed him to the CJN’s office? If he had met the CJN would he have limited himself to issues of his inauguration and the renewal of the appointment of his state’s acting chief judge (ACJ)? Would he? Nigerians are no fools; they can see through Wike’s visits, whether or not he comes out with the truth.

    With due respect to him, the issues he listed for his visits are what the governor should not have broken sweat over  because they have been constitutionally settled. The CJN was not doing Wike any favour by asking Justice Abiri to swear him in. The CJN was only interpreting Section 185 (2) of the Constitution, which stipulates that the chief judge; or grand kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal; or president of the Customary Court of Appeal of any state can swear in a governor, where nobody holds those offices in the elected governor’s state. Moreover, immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Adoke (SAN) had asked Justice Abiri to take up that job last May 29, a directive, which the CJN later confirmed. Has he visited Adoke too to thank him? Must Wike visit the CJN personally to show his appreciation? Couldn’t he have written to thank the CJN?

    Must he also go to Abuja over the renewal of the appointment of his state’s ACJ? All he needs do is to write the NJC, seeking its approval to renew the ACJ’s appointment as contained in Section 271 (5) of the Constitution. Did Wike visit the CJN before he appointed the ACJ shortly after he assumed office in May? His wife is a judge; so if he is confused about these matters, why didn’t he seek her opinion instead of embarking on a mission that could have destroyed the judiciary.  Thank God that he didn’t meet the CJN during those visits. The governor would have ended up tarring a man, who is doing all he could to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.

    This shows that our judges must be extra careful with politicians who will stop at nothing to ensure that they have their way. If Wike had met the CJN during those visits, the public would today have been calling for the nation’s foremost justice’s head because of fear that his lordship may compromise his office. Milord, there are many Wikes still out there looking for men of honour like you to destroy; so, be careful.  To remain safe, the catchword  for the CJN and his men is beware of politicians and their tricky visits.

  • As PMB visits PBO: 10 points to ponder

    This visit: Is it sight-seeing or strategic? If our leaders are seeing what we are seeing from our obscure corner, then President Muhammadu Buhari’s (PMB’s) visit to his American counterpart, President Barack Obama (PBO) next week ought to be the most significant visit any Nigerian leader made to the US since independence in 1960. Hitherto, most Nigerian helmsmen have viewed it as some profound achievement to be granted audience in the White House. The late President Umaru Yar’Adua epitomised this in one moment of extreme awe as he sat before Obama when he noted that it was the greatest day of his life. Yar’Adua’s now famous faux pas only points to the undeniable power of the United States of America in world affairs since the end of World War II.

    Why must this visit be different and indeed historic if previous ones by nearly all Nigeria’s leaders had been mere exercise in vacuous ceremonies and photo opportunities? This column wagers that hardly any of our former heads of state had any remarkable strategic reason for visiting the White House.; they were no better than an average tourist to America gawking at that whited bastion of U.S power and essence.

    This house is falling still: This column expects PMB’s visit to be special for two reasons. One, Nigeria as the most important nation in Sub-Saharan Africa has come full circle after over five decades of so-called independence and utter folly. Today, the world’s 7th most populous nation has become a real and present danger to the civilised world. It has been roiled and brought to her knees both by her post independence leaders and currently by a silly band of local terrorists that have comprehensively exposed her ugly rump and hollowness.

    Two, crude oil which rent has sustained and contained the Nigerian madness since independence has become less valuable and a non-essential commodity in world’s energy market today; therefore this behemoth is broke – perhaps irretrievably so. These two factors: the petty insurgency and loss of cheap oil revenue will and should drive PMB’s visit to PBO. The journalist, Karl Maier, wrote over a decade ago about Nigeria that “This House Has Fallen”. Well it has not come down crashing but it remains a cracked and tottering edifice.

    Though not many of our so-called leaders seem to have seen the futility and un-sustainability of this precarious house, in which case they would be going on a sight-seeing (as usual) to the White House, the Americans should reveal the harsh reality to them as much as possible. If our delegation understands the deal, there is no doubt that they will be armed with some tough agenda and also be open to pragmatic and radical alternatives for the years ahead.

    Ten points to ponder

    One: complete overhaul of the armed forces Nigeria must at this point determine that she is ready to join the rest of the world in which case she must anchor appropriately and build the right alliances. A major defence pact will necessarily preface the requisite economic boost Nigeria needs sorely now. In clear terms, a US military base in the Gulf of Guinea needs be considered as part of a major package.

    While that is going on, we can then set about building a proper modern military infrastructure. Anyone who knows anything would agree that the entire architecture of our military cannot support a modern boys’ scout. We need a total overhaul and we neither have the funds nor the gumption to do it by ourselves. We either elect to revamp now with the aid of the Yankees or we forever live in the muck. Today Cameroon and Chad are fighting to rescue us; tomorrow they would fight to conquer our territories if we do not act now.

    Two: revamping our policing and intelligence systems: The same principle as in number one above applies here. Modern policing and intelligence gathering have long eluded us. We are actually cave people in this regard. Worse, we lack the capacity – both financial and intellectual – to begin to help our situation. In one word, we need help and we must bear this in mind while in the White House.

    Three: arms policy and superpower diplomacy The biggest black nation in the world cannot mould even enough small arms to defend herself from hoodlums without having to scurry all over the world even to smaller and far less endowed countries to acquire rifles. We all saw how easy it was for the West to frustrate the purchase of medium range arms to fight even our small-time terrorists. Imagine for a moment what happens if we have to confront another nation! How are we ever going to join the league of arms producing nations if we do not forge the right alliances now?

    Four: international border management and operations Nigeria must rank among the countries with the most porous borders in the world. Everyday dozens of long, laden trailers drive in and out through most of our land borders. Our border security is as compromised as a harlot on the highway. This has gone on for decades. No country functions like this. We need modern border technology and infrastructure. We need help.

    Five: border (nations) diplomacy Is it by chance that all the countries bordering Nigeria are from the Francophone zone? What are the implications for our security and socio-economic well-being? Though these countries: Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon (not overlooking Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe and even Gabon down the Atlantic) are minions comparatively, how has Nigeria brought them under her strategic sphere of influence for the larger objective of making the requisite economic and security capital? There is a vacuum there begging to be filled if only we can get our bearing right. We need quality alliances.

    Six: prisoners’ management How many Boko Haram prisoners are under the custody of the Nigerian state today? The other day, an obviously distraught Federal Government was apparently shopping for facility to keep about 47 prisoners. One would have thought that a special purpose penitentiary (SPP) would have been created somewhere in the Northeast in the last five years. We need help.

    Seven: judiciary and terrorism trials Just like the point above, how many Boko Haram terrorists have been tried successfully in the last five years? For a country that is almost prostrate, it seems nigh impossible to try any terrorists in this land. Nigeria simply lacks the capacity. In fact, until a few days ago, trying moneyed and influential Nigerians had almost become impossible.

    We need special courts, specialised security and of course, impregnable detention facilities. We saw the trial and jailing of former Egyptian president, Morsi and his murderous gang recently. He and about 500 of his men have been sentenced to die. That is the mark of a state that is alive and functional and got her world politics right.

    Eight: IDP management If any element in the skirmishes against Boko Haram exposed the weak underbelly of the Nigerian state, it is the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) crisis. A situation where a large chunk of the citizens are in ordinarily times, psychologically and economically displaced would give a pointer as to why the IDPs are doomed. Again, it is the capacity thing. Both funds and know-how are acutely lacking. We need help quick.

    Nine: the global economics of terrorism Why is Nigeria’s war against terror different from the wars going on in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen? Why is America and her allies spending huge defence funds in these countries; sending men and arms and ammunition to these places, yet have virtually shunned Nigeria? This is the question we must ask the people in White House and insist on honest answers.

    Ten: where there is no economy The reality for those who can see, is that there is little business left here now except petty merchandising. With enormous petro-dollars we had lacked the will and leadership to build a decent state girded by basic institutions, not to think of a modern state. Today, we have no bargaining chips anymore; we have no goods to bring to the market any longer. All we have is a horde of largely impoverished and half-baked population.

    What we need now is a smart leadership that appreciates our precarious condition and can create a platform for a massive Marshall Plan for Nigeria. None of such tokens as Power up Africa, AGOA or MDGs; only a Marshall Plan will do now.