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Tag: zoning

  • PDP: Zoning good in Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, not in Rivers

    I begin by recalling that Sections 7.1(g) and 7.3(c) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, respectively, talk about “promoting of egalitarian society founded on freedom, equality and justice” and “adherence to the policy of the rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices in pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness.” They are emphatic on the need to rotate key political offices among the diverse peoples and zones at the national, state and local government levels.

    In Bauchi State, where the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, comes from, the party zoned out aspirants from the southern senatorial district from contesting the governorship position in 2015. The same was witnessed in Akwa Ibom, the home state of the current Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Godswill Akpabio. In its wisdom, the party entrenched this important principle of zoning to ensure that justice, equity and fairness prevail.

    But in Rivers State, this important principle is suffering and it’s threatening to tear the party apart. Former Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, is being empowered and encouraged by the First family in perpetrating the inequity that Rivers people are witnessing, as I write this. Dame Patience Jonathan is getting notorious and infamous for her meddlesomeness in the affairs of some states, especially Rivers and Bayelsa. She must have known of the charter between upland and riverine sections of Rivers State. She is allowing the ambition of one man (Wike), to cost PDP, the party that her husband leads, to be thrashed in the 2015 elections. It is now becoming clearer to Rivers people that Dame Jonathan is the engine room from where Wike draws his power and arrogance. She is also rumoured to be providing most of the funds that Wike is throwing about.

    Nevertheless, the attempt by the First Lady and PDP to impose Wike as the PDP flag bearer for the 2015 governorship position in the state will not fly and will not secure victory for the party. I know that many decent Ikwerre people are not in support of another Ikwerre taking over from the incumbent Ikwerre governor in May 2015.

    – Onyeike Agomuo

    Port Harcourt, Rivers State

  • Briggs backs PDP zoning in Rivers

    Briggs backs PDP zoning in Rivers

    A governorship aspirant in next year’s election on the platform of the Rivers  State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dumo- Lulu Briggs, has  support ed the zoning of its governorship ticket, saying it was for justice and equity.

    He said: “Equity, justice and fair play dictate that zoning should be the criteria for choosing the party’s flag bearer in Rivers State for the guber pools in 2015. Zoning is entrenched in the constitution of the PDP and zoning only recently was used in Akwa Ibom and other states of the country controlled by the PDP to pick candidates and Rivers State will not be an exception.”

    Despite the pronouncement by the Chairman, Mr Felix Obuah, that the ticket was open to all zones, Briggs said: “The clamour for zoning to the riverine in Rivers state is total and wide spread and despite the opposition of a few persons, we believe that in the end, the will of the people will prevail, and the ticket will be zone to the riverine.”

    “The upland has produced the governor for two consecutive terms of eight years each which is 16 years.

    “It is only fair that the riverine people who have supported and waited patiently be also allowed to rule the state and contribute their own quota to development in 2015. You cannot impose another upland person on Rivers state after 16 years of their clinging to power; it’s just unacceptable to our people. That is why we are clamouring for zoning. This should be allowed to happen in the interest of peace, fair play and brotherliness that have always existed amongst us,” he added.

  • Rivers 2015: Is Wike favoured by zoning?

    Rivers 2015: Is Wike favoured by zoning?

    It is heart warming to note the shift in reasoning by Mr. Nyesom Wike, who has acknowledged the existence of zoning in the Rivers PDP. Wike shifted ground from his previous position, which has been re-echoed by the Rivers State PDP, which has been hijacked by him, to the effect that zoning doesn’t exist in the PDP.

    According to Mr. Wike in his recent interview, zoning only applies when the party is in power, which is the reason, in his thinking, that the 2015 gubernatorial contest in Rivers State should be thrown open, until power is gained before zoning of political and elective offices within PDP can become effective.

    This thinking is not only illogical; it falls on its face on several fronts. When juxtaposed with the crude and exclusive brand of politics within the State chapter of the party, which shuts out other aspirants and their supporters from Party activities and promotes Wike, it is plain hypocrisy for the same individual to advocate for a right to run while effectively denying others the right to participate in electoral activities within the Party.

    Wike’s current position that zoning is only applied when the PDP is in power fails the test of sound reasoning because as at the time the PDP was formed, and zoning enshrined in the Constitution of the Party, it had not won any election. If, we are to discountenance this fact and even go by Mr. Wike’s current position, it would mean that an individual of a particular ethnic group, in this case, the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, can come to power through the PDP, exit the Party for political reasons, while sponsoring or colluding with another individual from the same ethnic group within the PDP to run for office, since the Party had lost power. The ramification of this thinking is better imagined than experienced and it is only deeply treacherous minds that can conceive and promote it.

    In the said interview, Mr. Wike also claimed he was the most suitable and best person to fly the Party’s flag to defeat the APC in Rivers State. Again, this is not true, if it was so, why then is there a desperate effort by Mr. Wike and his cronies, to deny others the right to participate in Party? The best and most suitable person to fly the Party’s flag can only be the outcome of open and transparent electoral processes within the Party. Electoral processes that have largely undermined both the Party’s constitution especially on a subject as zoning and restricted participants the right to participate in such processes within the Party, cannot logically result in producing the best candidate for the Party.

    Currently, 16 governorship aspirants are crying foul over the handling of the affairs of the Party in the State. Their grievances include: hijack of the PDP in the State by an ethnic based organisation; administration of the PDP to the exclusion of certain members who are not members of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI); non-registration of new party members and revalidation of membership of old members who are opposed to the interests of a group in the PDP; illegal and unconstitutional removal of ward, local government and state  officers elected at the congress of 2012; the party’s position on zoning and rotation of elective offices, refusal of the State Chapter of the Party to issue Delegates Nomination Forms to members other than those of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI); refusal to receive / collect Nomination Forms obtained from the national Secretariat by some aspirants; Chairman and Members of Congress Panel being loyalists, personal staff and associates of Mr Nyesom Wike, while as Minister of State for Education. Unfortunately, these issues are yet to be denied, given the weight of evidence that support them, which invariably cast a dark shadow over the avowed credibility and competence of Mr Wike.

    It is also very important to say that the debate on the next governor of Rivers State, is not necessary about defeating the All Progressives Congress, as Mr Wike alludes to, but about presenting the most competent person to neutralise the angst and charged political climate in Rivers, stabilise the polity and focus on the wellbeing of Rivers people. With such a person, the PDP is bound to succeed at the poll. The reality in Rivers State is that Rivers people are fed-up with politics of bitterness, perpetual conflicts and violence by key political actors. The implication, therefore, is that the education, pedigree, performance records, credibility, overall history of the aspirants will be the basis for arriving at such a critical life-impacting decision by Rivers people and evidence shows that a quarrelsome and garrulous character is not even qualified to be the least of those to be considered. The bar has definitely been raised beyond the reach of pedestrian standards of measurement. Rivers State is not in need of a fighter, but a leader to show direction and inspire productivity among our people.

    The argument that Mr. Wike fought to liberate PDP from the stranglehold of his kinsman and ally, Governor Amaechi, is not founded on sustainable logic. The PDP was never in shackles. Wike using Obuah as Chairman and Walter as Secretary, took over the leadership of the PDP and the governor and some of his supporters pulled out. Wike, the former Chief of Staff, was instrumental to the constitution of the same exco he dislodged. Now it is obvious he did all these for his selfish governorship ambition. An act that totally compromises the State Exco of the PDP.

    If one is to give him credit for ‘fighting’ an illusive battle, does it not make sense according to biblical injunction that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’, for one who was appointed Minister in the Federal Government to defend the interest of his principal? Should that be the basis for the reward of Governorship of Rivers State? If one may ask, what is the outcome of the fight? Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi was not impeached, he is still the Governor of state resources. Chibuike has the House of the Assembly in his shadow. Amaechi has crippled the judiciary and is still antagonistic towards the President and the ruling PDP. Yet, they brag about a fight that was no more than a war of words, without any tangible outcome.

    The war of liberation in Rivers State was fought by Ijaw sons and daughters. Neither Wike nor his political associates participated in the fight against military dictatorship and for democracy in Nigeria. Many like him, have never confronted guns and bullets or even been detained while fighting for justice. So, the assessment and allusion of a liberation war does not  hold any truth. If the war in issue is the Amaechi vs Wike fight, then it does not qualify as a war, talk less of liberation. Only an ethnic bigot would not accept that Wike and his gang in GDI lost in the conflict with Amaechi.

    To this end, it is not profitable to continue to dwell in delusion and deception, reeling out weak and unbalanced argument to promote treachery that undermines social harmony in Rivers State. Mr. Wike’s recent acceptance of the existence of zoning in PDP should be followed through with good reason and responsible action. Zoning exists, irrespective of the party’s fortune in a state, since it is not stated as a condition in the party’s condition. The desperation by Mr. Wike to clinch power and violate the PDP’s constitution is unfortunate, which, if allowed to thrive by the hierarchy of the PDP, may spell doom for its fortune in Rivers State. Rivers people are watching how other aspirants of the party are being undermined by Mr. Wike’s cronies in the PDP. To forestall a possible break down of law and order in the state, it is advisable that the authorities step in and address the concerns raised by stakeholders of the party.

     

     •Davies writes from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

  • ‘Zoning has no anchor in Akwa Ibom’

    ‘Zoning has no anchor in Akwa Ibom’

    MmekAbasi Akpabio, a member of Umana Umana 2015 Media Team, speaks with Kazeem Ibrahym. He says there has never been zoning of governorship in Akwa Ibom State.

    Zoning,  Umana Umana and other aspirants from Uyo Senatorial District

    There has never been zoning in Akwa Ibom State in the real sense of the word. By this I mean in a way that can guarantee justice for all the constituent groups and even partisan groups in the state to the point of seriously addressing the issue of alleged, perceived or potential marginalisation. When we say zoning, on what basis are we calling for zoning? Is it on the basis of ethnic groups or sentorial district? How will zoning serve the cause of our unity? If it is going to be about ethnic groups, are all the groups equal in size and population? If on the basis of senatorial district, are all or each of our  senatorial districts homogeneous so that when one district,  like  Eket, has it (governorship), that sufices for all the interest groups that live there and ultimately eliminate all agitations and cries of marginalisation? I honestly do not think so. And two, the seeming hype about zoning is nothing but a desperate strategy orchestrated by a few aspirants and their supporters who really don’t have any serious thing to present to the electorate for consideration and possible endorsement. All that these people have on their CVs, is “it is our turn”. By not having something on their CV, I don’t mean educational qualification alone. What I am referring to is a total package of what an aspirant to a very high executive leadership should possess. Such endowments like unimpeachable integrity, unassailable intellect, humanness, connection with the people, patriotism, verbal prudence, personal comportment and discipline, and above all, the fear of God. Check well and you will notice that either all or most of these attributes are lacking amongst those howling zoning day and night. And as to whether zoning can threaten Umana’s bid, I can say that will never be because right from the very first building block of his political structure, he went for a pan-Akwa Ibom,  issue-based  foundation rather than a clannish strategy. And only Akwa Ibom people can hire anybody to serve them through the mechanism of that office. That is why in spite of all the empty noise about zoning, Umana’s camp is swelling by the dawn of  every day. Zoning could only have threatened Umana’s or any other person’s ambition if it was founded on truth. Instead this one  is built on falsehood without any historical, national constitutional, pragmatical or even expediential anchor.

    Compelling determinants

    On  account of the intensity of sponsored vociferous noise, ( some clear, some distorted) in the media, the respected former governor  (Obong Victor Attah) was only hinting that the noise will not be ignored but rather will be seriously examined to see if zoning as these proponents are demanding can really guarantee both immediate and strategic justice to our people. And you and I know that zoning can not guarantee balanced justice for all in Akwa Ibom State.  As you have rightly recollected his speech, you also got him emphasizing on “other compelling determinants” which are what the vast majority of our people are actually yearning for.

    Factors that will  influence PDP

    delegates

    Those evergreen factors in any political contest will remain an attraction to our distinguished delegates. For instance, the personality of the aspirants which encompasses issues ranging from their physical, intellectual cum mental fitness through their programmes for the people, to their specific track records in public service and to their relationship with the political class, a factor that will actually fetch the votes  during the general elections for the desired legitimacy. Our delegates will look for that man or woman who will hit the ground running, someone who already knows the system well and the system knows him. As you and I know, there is so much to be done. So many big and tough decisions to be taken just to better the conditions of our people and our state. So, our delegates will need someone who is more or less a master mariner for the envisaged voyage. The coming journey is not for just any rookie and our delegates are itching to defy every inducement to make that clear statement. And above all, as history has shown, our people being blue blood republicans have never failed to punish any politician who at any point in time uses our resources in an insensitive manner to suffocate us with more than excessive campaigns  just to show that you are in charge of our treasury. At least the 1993 Tofa debacle is still fresh in our minds. Not that the government at that time was bad but the campaigns mounted for the then NRC’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Bashir Tofa  by the state government at the time was perceived as bogus, suffocating, provocative, insensitive and wasteful. And our deeply discerning people responded with a resounding “No vote” just to punish our then governor, in spite of his fatherly disposition and immense popularity at the time. Governor Akpabio and his agents by seeking to label every leaf and tree in Akwa Ibom with Udom Emmanuel is treading a familiar ignoble path and will surely not escape the wrath of our delegates during the primaries.

    Free and transparent primaries     We need to send very credible leaders and statesmen of our great party to  lead the electoral teams from the national headquarters to conduct the primaries in the states. If it means our game-changing National Chairman going to beg a Gen. Babangida, a Senator David Mark or other people in that category  to lead the teams, he should please not spare the effort. Very credible people with discernible stakes in the country and who have names and track records to live for should lead and constitute the electoral teams.  People who have the character to spurn a N3b bribe because they have seen enough of God’s blessings that they only live each day seeking to please him alone. You don’t send a man or woman who perhaps has never seen the four walls of a government house before in his or her entire life and, therefore ,salivating for the opportunity to enter a government house and collect whatever is tossed his or her way to betray the party. The exercise should not be seen as an opportunity for money making by upstarts.  The security services should be under strict and clear instructions to maintain neutrality. And the conduct of the primaries at least at the governorship level should be beamed live on television for all within and outside Nigeria to see. That way, every aspirant and delegate will not have only answered his father’s name but will be seen to have done so. This is the kind of intra-party electoral procedure that will sure guarantee a post- nomination cohesion for any political party any day.

    However, that is only an interim procedure. A more enduring strategy will be for the PDP to adopt a policy of non-interference by incumbent governors, particularly those about to round off their second terms. All over the world, political parties field their incumbents who are statutorily eligible for elections. But the egregious situation is when a governor who has less than a year to end his full tenure now turns around to hold the party that had been so magnanimous to him to ransom by seeking to impose a successor. If the governor is eligible and he is actually recontesting, it makes sense for him to seek to position himself by seeking to have some leverage with the party. The PDP has to make a policy that reins in its outgoing governors and dissuade them from this decidedly objectionable path.

    This desire for imposition of successors by outgoing incumbents mostly at the state level has remained, perhaps,  the single most intractable problem of the party almost since inception. Yet the perennial ironic twist is that the very outgoing governor who is championing imposition today almost always returns either four or eight years later to complain against his successor’s attempt to also perpetrate the same evil of imposition. That way, the abberration mutates into a vicious cycle that always returns to haunt our party.

    Other parties beating PDP

    Show me one party that has the capacity of the PDP; none. In spread, in membership quality, in patriotic programmes, in ability to unite Nigerians, in structural strength and integrity, amongst other indices, our party is head and shoulders above others. So, for us in Akwa Ibom, especially within the Umana Okon Umana support base, we know no other party than PDP, which is our only home.

    Elders versus Akpabio

    These illustrous patriarchs who by the grace of God have seen it all are only discharging a sacred mandate that they owe us the younger generation and to posterity by standing up against a budding dictatorship. They are seeking to preserve the soul of Akwa Ibom by standing against an attempt by one man to enthone a pseudo dynasty in the state because these elders know that once you allow it to happen once, forget it. Whoever finds himself as a governor from then on will always seek to impose a successor. So, it is something that must not be allowed to happen. Assuming he, Akpabio from Essien Udim, is allowed to impose an Udom Emmanuel today from Onna, a different place from his today, what guarantee do we have that some others who will  come after Akpabio will not attempt to impose their children, brothers, sisters, etc? This is how seeds of degeneration and strife are sown in societies.

    The mood in the state

    Like a typical election approach, the mood is that of frenetic urgency with a mixed grill of tension, anxiety and excitement, especially within the political class. They are those of us who like we in Umana’s camp are so confident on account of the positive uniqueness of our candidate. Our man, Umana, represents the dream candidate, second to none. One compelling choice in an excellent field of politics and administration. A rare embodiment of the excelling marriage of experience, capacity and character. So for us, who are displaying this unique product for Akwa Ibom people to buy, we are doing so with relish and excitement being aware that God has given us and the rest of Akwa Ibom people this historic privilege to present the very best in our arsenal for the top job.

    Advice for Akpabio

    To many of us who come from Akwa Ibom State, there are at least three issues that he (Akpabio) has to come clean with in order to clear some doubts about his politics. Number one on the list is the Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala revelation or allegation that Akpabio has not spent up to one per cent of the consolidated financial accruals to the state on the all-important infrastructural sector. And the Honourable Minister had asked in apparent exasperation in the face of an obvious disappointment: “ Where is the money?” The second issue is that we are yet to know why he spent so much on his so-called Town Hall meetings just some months ago but refused to use those fractured and embarrassing fora to tell us about our trillions in  the last eight years and how he has been spending them in the face of massive crushing poverty in the land.  And the third is, what is the deal between him and Udom that he insists only Udom can succeed him no matter how resentful the people may be towards that idea? So, if I were Akpabio, I will urgently seek a reversal of roles and apologise to Akwa Ibom people on, at least, these three issues in order to guarantee my  smooth passage into the people’s hearts as their beloved and, most importantly, the pantheon of Akwa Ibom posterity. This is the path to statesmanship and ultimate canonisation.

  • Why I’m against zoning in Bayelsa, by Amange

    Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange has kicked against zoning in Bayelsa State, urging the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to organise primaries for aspirants.

    The chapter has zoned the Bayelsa East Senatorial District ticket to Brass Local Government Area.

    Sources said that Amange was among party stalwarts who signed the communique after the decision on zoning was made by the stakeholders.

    The district, which elected Senator Clever Ikisikpo in 2011, comprises of Brass, Ogbia and Nembe local government areas. Apart from zoning it to Brass, the stakeholders also clarified that the ticket should go nto  Akassa speaking-people of Brass.

    But, Amange, who hails from Nembe, has opposed the zoning, saying that it smacks of the politics of exclusion.

    President Goodluck Jonathan is said to be backing the Chairman of Silverbird Television, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, who hails from Akassa, for the slot.

    However, Amange, who declared his intention to return to the Senate, said he was not part of zoning.

    Speaking in Yenagoa, he said the principle of zoning should not be applied at the expense of merit and experience.

    He said: “From 1999 till date, Bayelsa East has always been represented by new senators in each session. In the National Assembly, there is advantage in having a ranking senator instead of a new one.

    “New legislators are welcome, but experience shows that second term legislators have strategic advantage. The principle of zoning and power shift is useful in our political system; however, the principle should not be applied at the expense of merit and experience.”

    He said his declaration came after extensive consultations with leaders and various stakeholders of the PDP.

    He insisted that the decision was based on the need to consolidate the achievements of the PDP in the promotion of democracy and the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Amange said:  “Bayelsa East Senatorial District is the economic heart-beat of our state. It hosts many multinational oil companies. The Brass LNG and other maritime facilities boost economic activities, create jobs, and spread prosperity.

    “The Nembe-Brass highway should be taken over by the FG to open up the senatorial district for investment, peace and progress. Effective legislation at the level of the Senate is required to consolidate the great strides of the state government.”

    Amange, who was one of the Bayelsa State representatives at the recent National Dialogue Conference and current Chairman, Governing Board of University of Petroleum Institute, Effurun, said his experience is an asset to the party.

    He said: “My national and international networks have been expanded by being a delegate at the confab. The recommendations of the confab call for focused and patriotic legislative work at the Senate.

    “I offer myself to be a part of the National Assembly that will usher in a new era of justice and equity in Nigeria.”

  • ‘There is zoning in Akwa Ibom’

    ‘There is zoning in Akwa Ibom’

    Chief Benjamin Okoko is a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State.  In this interview with reporters in Uyo, the state capital, he speaks about the politics of zoning and other partisan issues. Kazeem Ibrahym was there. 

    In 1999, 2003 and 2006 you contested for the governorship, but without success. Why are you contesting again?

    It is said that greatness is not in how many times you fall, but being able to rise each time you fall. 1999 is a story everybody knows. The 1999 election was supposed to be a coronation for me as everything was set. But, some leaders of the party approached me and prevailed on me to withdraw my candidature. I accepted it without any condition. In 2003, I ran and the party decided that the incumbent should have a second term. In 2006, we had about 60 aspirants. There was confusion, but the party decided it was Governor Godwill Akpabio that should have the ticket. He got the ticket and ran. In 2011, I didn’t run because I became wiser. I came to understand my party better, knowing that it is not easy to run against the incumbent seeking a second term. In 2015, Akpabio is finishing his second term. So, I feel I have to come out. With the experience I have the previous times, I really understand the politics better this time. I am quite optimistic. I will be successful this time and four is my lucky number.

    What is your position on the zoning of the governorship?

    I am not running because of zoning. I am running on my credentials as Benjamin Okoko for the governorship election. Talking about zoning, I want to say that it started with me. I made the supreme sacrifice for zoning. In 1998, the elders came to me and said they wanted to do zoning. When they brought the issue of zoning, I had my own idea about it. I accepted and advanced my reason and thinking and how I felt zoning should be done. For me, zoning is the basis for expansion and accommodation within the party.

    But, the leader at that time felt zoning should be done at the senatorial district. I allowed it. But, at the end, people were cleared to contest the primaries, but the leader said that I should allow Obong Victor Attah to run, that they wanted to start zoning from Uyo Senatorial District. I was a young man of 37. With that arrangement, we had Obong Attah from Uyo. He ruled for eight years. Governor Akpabio from Ikot Ekpene District is about to conclude his eight years. I am yet to see anybody from Ikot Ekpene coming to say he wants to run for the governorship. Even, when Uyo was finishing its turn in 2007, there were still some people in Uyo that came out to run, which was not right. In politics, you have the good the bad and ugly.

    The point is that good must always strive to dominate so that it overwhelmes the bad, the ugly and create a better society that is governed by law and order and allow stability that brings progress and prosperity. A situation where there is confusion, what does a statesman do? I want to be governor of Akwa Ibom State, governor of everybody. I have to show statesmanship. If there is confusion, I should try to create order and put things straight. If there is confusion, I should not add to the confusion. Two  wrongs do not make a right. Uyo did governorship for eight years with Obong Attah, Ikot Ekpene has done with Chief Akpabio. It should go to Eket. But, anybody from Uyo, who wants to run is allowed to run. I will defeat him. Even, if anybody from Ikot Ekpene wants to run, allow him to run. I will defeat him. I am running on my own merit and pedigree. I don’t want any affirmative action to help me to be governor. But, I made the first sacrifice. Zoning started with me in this state. It is not something I should talk about. You have not heard me giving a position paper on zoning before.

    But, zoning started with me. Some people are out to distort history to suit whatever reason. But, they will not be able because the charismatic people are still alive. The actors that were there in 1998/1999 are still around. We laid the foundation for the structure to prevail. If you want peace and order in the society, which is the basis for development, then, we should try and ensure accommodation within the polity. That is my position and I reason like a statesman. But, that is not to say one is afraid of the contest. Anybody is free to run. My aspiration is not because of Eket, even though the zoning is very right and correct. Anybody who wants to test his ability should come and he will be defeated.

    In the spirit of statesmanship, if you are called to make another sacrifice, would you accept it?

    That time, it was on the basis of zoning. That time, they said they wanted to start from Uyo; let me leave it. For me, power is service. What will the party tell me now? Already, the party has spoken. The party has  zoned it to my senatorial district.

    Now that you are coming out, what is your vision and blue print for the state?

    Governor Victor Attah was resource control, Governor Godswill Akpabio uncommon transformation; Governor Benjamin Okoko will be uncommon sacrifice. That is my vision.

    How are you going to achieve or go about this uncommon sacrifice?

    It has to do with my own value of life. How do I see life? What do I want in life? For me, great societies are built on the sacrifice of the people, who determine that the cause of history must go this way. If water is flowing toward a specific direction, you can say, no let it flow this way and change its cause. I like to go into history as the poorest man that left the Akwa Ibom Governor’s Lodge after my tenure. What does that mean? I will give my own to the service of the people. Government will never have enough resources to do everything it should do. One hundred per cent of resources of Akwa Ibom I will commit to the development and well-being of the people of Akwa Ibom State. I hope that sacrifice of my stewardship will help  the cause of our people and inspire others who will come after me to truly see that there is greatness in giving your own and greatness in poverty.  There is greatness in contentment. After my tenure, if I leave office with a trouser I wear, I will be a happy man.  I will be a true soldier and die at my post, provided the needs and welfare of the people of Akwa Ibom are met and that is why I have christened my aspiration “uncommon sacrifice”.

    The governor may want to anoint a candidate. Will that not affect your chance?

    The governor is not a traditional ruler; the governor is not a religious leader. The governor is not even a judge that should not take side. The governor is a politician first and foremost. He is entitled to his own interest. As a politician, it is most unfair to expect a politician not to have interest. You come into politics with certain interest. For me, it is the legitimate right of every politician to take a position on any issue, whether to support this project, vote this way or any issue of legislation. Democracy envisages those things and defines how those things are resolved between the majority and the minority. It is the legitimate right of the governor or any politician to say that is his preference. The people will always have their say. The governor that takes that positon knows that it is his own position, that majority of the people will always have their way in democracy. If you look at the people, who want to succeed the governor now, anyone of them at one point or the other had sought for the support of the governor, either they were working together with the governor. And they did that conscious of the fact that the governor has the right to support anybody he wants. His vote is a strong vote because of the advantages of his position. But, it is God that enthrones. And God is a very jealous God. Whatever position anybody takes, at the end, God will enthrone.

    Some people have alleged that the insecurity in the country is due to the activities of politicians. What do you have to say?

    We always have this issue of insecurity, even during the period of the military. There were cases of uprising here and there. Leadership is supposed to ensure and guarantee the safety of the citizenry. In a democracy that is made by politicians and run by politicians, the buck stops on their tables. They should take the responsibility. If the polity is doing well, the administration gets accolade for it. If there are problems, they get a knock for it. But, I don’t think the political class will deliberately or has deliberately gone out  to create a situation that will bring the country to the insurgency and the insecurity that we have today.  It could be through the omission by the leadership or commission by leadership. But,I don’t think it is premeditated because they know that people will died and you don’t know those who will die. It could be anybody, a close friend or relation. It is just unfortunate the situation we have found ourselves. The political leadership is doing everything possible about it. I have the hope that, at the end, Nigeria will overcome it.

    What advice do you have for the people of Akwa Ibom as they prepare for elections? 

    They should support Benjamine Okoko to be the next governor of Akwa Ibom State so that, together, we will  build a state that will meet the needs and aspirations of future generation. I will unite the state, reconcile all groups, stop the political pressure, tension, insecurity, restore peace to the state, reach out to everybody. I will not leave anybody behind because Akwa Ibom needs us now more than ever before. The issue of unemployment, the creation of wealth in the polity, the industrialisation will be addressed through the provision of constant power supply during my regime.

  • PDP chiefs kick against zoning

    PDP chiefs kick against zoning

    Some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State have criticised the planned zoning of the governorship ticket to the North senatorial district.

    According to them, zoning the position rather than considering popularity and population could lead to the wrong choice, which could lead to protest votes and loss of the election.

    A former PDP Chairman in Ndokwa West Local Government, Godwin Mgbabago and a former member of the House of Assembly, Joe Adigwe, said at the weekend that historical facts and figures showed that the 2011 governorship election in Delta did not produce results.

    The PDP chiefs warned that “those fronting and anointing inexperienced politicians do not mean well for the PDP.

    “On the basis of demography and electoral value, everyone knows the Urhobo control over 60 per cent of the voting strength in Delta State. “Yet, they have been out of power for eight years and their representation in the Federal Government has been limited to two appointments compared to Delta North, which has over 14 appointments.”

  • ‘No zoning in Rivers PDP’

    ‘No zoning in Rivers PDP’

    Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Chief Ferdinand Alabraba has declared that the governorship ticket will not be zoned to any senatorial district or ethnic group.

    Alabraba said the “no-zoning principle” is consistent with the position of the state executive committee of the party. Members of the committee include the chairmen of the 23 local government chapters, lawmakers, and other leaders.

    Alabraba said, based on this position, the slot would not be zoned to  any ethnic nationality, local council and district.

    Alabraba, who spoke in Port Harcourt, the state capital, added:  said: “It is not in the best interest of our party to zone or limit the selection of a governorship candidate to any zone, district or ethnic nationality. We must ensure that the party gives aspirants a level playing field.

    “The prevailing circumstance demands that the party should put its best candidate forward and the only democratic avenue that is available to the PDP is to conduct primaries for aspirants.”

    The PDP chieftain acknowledged the existence of an unwritten riverine/upland arrangement, which gives the ethnic groups opportunities for representations in elective offices. But, he insisted that the arrangement will deprive the PDP the chance of beating the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls.

    He said that the PDP is in a trying time, adding that members neveranticipated the defection of Governor Rotimi Amaechi from the party.

     

    Alabraba praisedhe Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, for leading the party, following the exit of the governor.

    He said Amaechi, his aides, pro-government contractors and friends were the PDP financial war chest before the defection.

    Alabraba said: “Without Wike, the PDP would have become extinct in Rivers State. Governor Amaechi took the structure of the PDP with him to the APC. When it happened,  PDP members were dejected, but they did nothing, until Wike rose up to the challenge.

    “How can you run on the platform of a party without contributing to the growth and development of the party? They forget that we are in party politics. For anyone to run on the platform of the party, he or she has to identify with the party. How can they achieve their ambition, if they do not identify with the party?

    “My advice to them is to come close to the party, identify with the part, contribute to the party, and mobilise support for the party so that the party can be stronger to enable them actualise their ambitions. They should also support the leadership of the party as it is today. Clearly, Wike has demonstrated unparalleled leadership that has taken the PDP to where it is today in Rivers State”.

     

  • Zoning of Rep seat divides Abia PDP

    Zoning of Rep seat divides Abia PDP

    The planned zoning of one of Abia State House of Representatives seats to Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency to a particular area is threatening the peace in the constituency, it has been learnt.

    Several political groups are said to be at loggerheads over the arrangement.

    Sources told our reporter that the member representing the area in the House of Representatives, Prince Arua Arunsi, might have begun moves for his second term through the zoning arrangement.

    But a political support group, under the aegis of Equity Charter Movement, is alleged to be claiming that the seat had been zoned to Arochukwu.

    This is creating confusion on the true status of the seat.

    Anthony Nwankwo, the leader of another political group, Onyereubi Unity Forum, has dismissed the claims.

    He said there was no zoning in the area.

    Nwankwo said those talking about zoning were not the right parties, adding that those talking about zoning forgot that some other communities had not produced such a representative.

    He said: “These people don’t know what they are talking about. They are not political parties that can zone any position because the same area they are projecting has tasted that position. So, if we are talking about zoning, we should be talking about those who have not got to that position before…”

  • Abia 2015: Between zoning and merit

    Abia 2015: Between zoning and merit

    In Abia State, many Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains are agitating for power shift. But, others are also insisting that zoning should not displace merit and competence. EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

    ABIA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is warming up for governorship primaries. Aspirants have returned to the drawing board. There are many permutations and intrigues. Contenders are intensifying consultations with stakeholders. However, only an aspirant will get the ticket.

    There are ethnic sentiments. The contest is not only among aspirants, it is also among ethnic blocs. At the centre of the drama are the old Bende Zone and Aba Division, which has not enjoyed the slot since 1999.

    Many stakeholders ahave argued that Governor Theodore Orji’s successor should come from  Aba Zone, which is also known as the Ukwa/Ngwa bloc, line with the Abia Charter of Equity (ACE).

    The ACE was agreed upon to assuage the fear of domination by any section. Its major element is the rotational principle. The idea is that power should rotate among the three zones.

     

    Old blocs

    Three zones-Afikpo Division, Bende Division and Aba Division- were relevant at the beginning. Based on the agreement, the governor has said that he would hand over power to Ukwa/Ngwa next year.

    The governor said the ACE, which prescribed power sharing, is sacrosanct, adding that bits implementation will foster peace and equity. Orji said he would not like to take any decision that would plunge the state into political crisis. Hence, the decision to respect the charter.

    Criticisms have trailed the decision. Now, there is a debate on which part of Ukwa/ Ngwa Zone would produce the governor. The  Ukwa/Ngwa Zone comprises of nine councils. Obingwa, Aba South, Aba North, Ugwunagor, Ukwa West and Ukwa East are under Abia South Senatorial Zone. Osisioma Ngwa, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South councils are in the Abia Central Zone. This is the Umuahia/ Ikwuano bloc.

     

    Agitations

    Ukwa-Ngwa people are found in three local government areas in Abia Central. Political heavy weights, including  Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Acho Nwakanma, Chief A.C.B Agbazuere, and Chris Akomas are of Ukwa/Ngwa origin. But, they are from the Central Zone. That is why some people have argued that  power sharing is a matter between the old Bende bloc and Aba bloc. More  Ngwa people are found in Abia Central Senatorial District.

    However, despite the agitation for zoning, some stakeholders believe that zoning should not displace merit and competence. To these people, the best aspirant should succeed the governor.

     

    Merit and competence

     The governor’s support for power shift to Ukwa/Ngwa is not in doubt. But, this is not enough.

    Aspirants are flaunting their credentials. In the race are Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Friday Nwosu, a lawyer, and  Senator Nkechi Nwaogu from the Central District. Some people have said that the female aspirant would be the choice of  Ukwa/Ngwa people

    A two-time senator and a former House of Representatives member, she has experience.  She has said that gender is not a disadvantage, but an asset.

    “If my party will support me, I will run for the post of governorship. It is my aspiration, my desire. I have the qualification and experience to pilot the affairs of Abia State, if given the mandate to govern Abia,’’ she said.

    But, Nwosu, also said that he is fit for the job because he has pedigree. Also, Abaribe has said that he is the most qualified aspirant, having served as the deputy governor and senator.

    The aspirants are determined. But, at the primaries, the wheat will be seperated from the chaff.