Saturday, January 8, 2011
BROADCAST TO THE PEOPLE OF DELTA STATE, BY HIS EXCELLENCY, HON. SAM ONYEKA OBI, ACTING GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE, IN RESPECT OF THE THURSDAY, 06 JANUARY , 2011 GOVERNORSHIP RE-RUN ELECTION IN THE STATE.
Beloved Deltans,
Delta State today stands at the cross road of it’s destiny- a destiny, which is in our hands to make or mar Tomorrow, Thursday, 6 January. 2011. All registered voters are expected to come out to cast their votes peacefully, for the candidate of their choice.
The election will put an end to the challenges thrown up by the court verdict of 9 November 2010. It is normal democratic process that should be carried out with understanding, peace, love, honesty and a deep sense of patriotism. However, the report reaching me from Ughelli North Local Government Area that the office of the lndependent National Electoral Commission has been torched by arsonists is unacceptable. Security agencies have been directed to get to the root of this crime and bring those responsible to justice.
All our religions teach love not hatred, universal brotherhood not enmity, peace not violence, progress and tolerance not bigotry. I therefore urge all our people not to exploit the re-run election to soil the good names of their families and that of our dear state. Our youths must avoid being used as thugs and canon fodder by desperate politicians. I call on parents to be watchful of the movement and activities of their children and wards throughout the period of the election.
I call on all politicians across the state to conduct themselves in a decent, decorous and peaceful manner. I sincerely appeal to candidates to prevail on their members and supporters to exercise restraint and conduct themselves in an orderly manner throughout the conduct of the election and beyond.
I urge security agencies to firmly enforce the strict compliance of the restriction on movement ordered by the state government. All those who break the restriction on movement of persons will be made to face the appropriate punishment. I should make it clear that anyone found to be disobeying the law or getting involved in anything capable of disturbing the peace, will be dealt with within the provision of the law. The law, l must emphasize, is no respecter of persons.
All Deltans should remain peaceful and prayerful. I once again appeal to candidates to continue to restrain their supporters and ask them to stay away from thuggery before, during and after the election.
The state is the only one we can call our own. It is therefore our collective responsibility to avoid anything capable of destroying the modest progress we have made in the sustainable development of our dear state.
Long Live Delta State!
Long live Nigeria!!
Office of the Acting Governor,
Government House,
Asaba.
Delta State will deliver 100% on judicial independence
The acting governor of Delta State, Prince Sam Obi, has stated that PDP administration was committed towards realizing an atmosphere of judicial independence and the speedy dispensation of justice for effective functioning of government.
Prince Sam Obi who said the during the swearing in ceremony of the new Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Zailaye Smith in Asaba explained that its administration placed high premium on the dispensation of justice for optimal functioning of the arms of government.
He noted that judicial independence in the state would not be interrupted in other to enhance the rule of law, justice and make provision for separation of powers saying “ PDP administration in the state is determined to ensured continued independence of the judiciary, which can only be fully realized in an atmosphere where judicial independence is unfettered and guaranteed.”
The acting governor, Prince Sam Obi, explained that government has resolve to accord due respect to diligency, honesty and commitment to duty as such appointed a Chief Judge of honour who have meritorious record on the bar and bench.
He charged justice Smith to maintain a high sense of responsibility, to shun dishonesty and fight against societal ills in the state with the cooperation, firmness and active participation of the judiciary.
He enjoined judges in the state judiciary to administer justice with openness, fairness, the fear of God and maintain cordial relationship with the other arms of government for effective governance.
Speaking further, he paid tribute to the immediate past Chief Judge Justice Roseline Bozimo for her selfless service and transparent commitment to the rule of law during her tenure in office, saying “we thank you for your contributions to the state and the judiciary, we will continue to tap from your wisdom and fertile legal mind.”
Responding Justice Smith thanked God for the appointment “promotion do not come from the East or the West but from God.”
He also thanked the acting governor for finding him worthy for the appoinment and promised he will improve on the solid foundation already laid by his predecessor in other to have a truly independent judiciary and ensure peace and security in the state.
“ let it be on record that the office I have been appointed to is of honour and trust I will not disappoint the state by God’s grace.”
Prince Sam Obi who said the during the swearing in ceremony of the new Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Zailaye Smith in Asaba explained that its administration placed high premium on the dispensation of justice for optimal functioning of the arms of government.
He noted that judicial independence in the state would not be interrupted in other to enhance the rule of law, justice and make provision for separation of powers saying “ PDP administration in the state is determined to ensured continued independence of the judiciary, which can only be fully realized in an atmosphere where judicial independence is unfettered and guaranteed.”
The acting governor, Prince Sam Obi, explained that government has resolve to accord due respect to diligency, honesty and commitment to duty as such appointed a Chief Judge of honour who have meritorious record on the bar and bench.
He charged justice Smith to maintain a high sense of responsibility, to shun dishonesty and fight against societal ills in the state with the cooperation, firmness and active participation of the judiciary.
He enjoined judges in the state judiciary to administer justice with openness, fairness, the fear of God and maintain cordial relationship with the other arms of government for effective governance.
Speaking further, he paid tribute to the immediate past Chief Judge Justice Roseline Bozimo for her selfless service and transparent commitment to the rule of law during her tenure in office, saying “we thank you for your contributions to the state and the judiciary, we will continue to tap from your wisdom and fertile legal mind.”
Responding Justice Smith thanked God for the appointment “promotion do not come from the East or the West but from God.”
He also thanked the acting governor for finding him worthy for the appoinment and promised he will improve on the solid foundation already laid by his predecessor in other to have a truly independent judiciary and ensure peace and security in the state.
“ let it be on record that the office I have been appointed to is of honour and trust I will not disappoint the state by God’s grace.”
Sam Obi Leads Delta State into Academic glories with new bills
The acting governor of Delta State Prince Sam Obi has signed into law seven bills that will promote academic excellence and good administration in Tertiary Institutions in the state.
Prince Obi who also signed into law the traditional rulers and council of Chiefs amendment bill in Asaba said all the bills will assist the state in good governance and erase conflict in all the areas affected.
He commended the state house of assembly for speedily passing the bills explaining that by its action the house has paved the way for orderliness in the traditional institution as well as increasing faith and order in tertiary institutions.
The acting governor expressed the hope that when the bills become functional Deltans will abide by the laws of the land and pursue all matters in areas affected legitimately.
Prince Obi, prayed for the acting speaker for God’s strength and protection so that the sky will be his limit in his career.
Presenting the bills the clerk of the house Mr. Raymond Yapeeri said the house worked hard to pass the bills because of the positive impact they will have on the lives of the people.
Mr. Raymond Yapeeri said all members of the house were interested in the success of the bills.
The bills are Delta State Ozoro Polytechnic amendment bill 2002, Delta State Otefa Polytechnic amendment bill 2002, Delta State University amendment bill 1998 and College of Physical Education Mosogar amendment bill 2002.
Others are Delta Polytechnic amendment bill Ogwuashi-Uku 2002, College of Education Agbor ammendment bill 2002 and Delta State College of Education amendment bill.
Prince Obi who also signed into law the traditional rulers and council of Chiefs amendment bill in Asaba said all the bills will assist the state in good governance and erase conflict in all the areas affected.
He commended the state house of assembly for speedily passing the bills explaining that by its action the house has paved the way for orderliness in the traditional institution as well as increasing faith and order in tertiary institutions.
The acting governor expressed the hope that when the bills become functional Deltans will abide by the laws of the land and pursue all matters in areas affected legitimately.
Prince Obi, prayed for the acting speaker for God’s strength and protection so that the sky will be his limit in his career.
Presenting the bills the clerk of the house Mr. Raymond Yapeeri said the house worked hard to pass the bills because of the positive impact they will have on the lives of the people.
Mr. Raymond Yapeeri said all members of the house were interested in the success of the bills.
The bills are Delta State Ozoro Polytechnic amendment bill 2002, Delta State Otefa Polytechnic amendment bill 2002, Delta State University amendment bill 1998 and College of Physical Education Mosogar amendment bill 2002.
Others are Delta Polytechnic amendment bill Ogwuashi-Uku 2002, College of Education Agbor ammendment bill 2002 and Delta State College of Education amendment bill.
Sam Obi to Politicians: concentrate on values not bitterness
Delta State acting governor Prince Sam Obi has called on politicians to eschew sensationalism and concentrate on values that would bring positive development to the state.
Prince Sam Obi who made the call while swearing in two newly appointed commisioners, Barrister Kate Onianwa and Chief Comas Ighoraye in Asaba said his administration was determined to change the precepts that politics is a make or mar activity.
He noted that the act of governance has become complex and very demanding as such only brillant, articulate and progressive minded people are appointed into positions of leadership adding that the newly appointed commissioners are thorough bred administrators that can deliver.
“The two Deltans who have just taken their oath of office are thorough bred administrators and passionate democrats. The State appoints Deltans that are brilliant, articulate and progressive minded to positions of leadership as the act of governance has become complex and very demanding.”
Speaking further the acting governor explained that the newly appointed commisioners are competent and will serve Deltans well through their years of experience saying “ you have to know that service to the people is the best opportunity to serve God.’
He assures Deltans that his government would ensure that poverty, hunger, squallor and illiteracy are drastically reduced in the State through the formulation of policies and programs that would improve their welfare.
Prince Obi charged the newly appointed comissioners to be objective in the discharge of their duties and not subscibe to any ill feelings based on political differences adding that they should harness the resources in their ministries to give a new lease of life to the people.
In a brief response, Barr Kate Onianwa, thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointment and promised that they would do their best to serve Deltans better.
She assured Deltans that they would not dssappoint them especially the Women “ Deltans we will do our best to serve you better. Our telephones are open, our offices are open you can always reach us.”
In a related development Prince Sam Obi has also sworn in Mr. Christopher Okafor as the new chairman of Oshimili north local government area with a charge to meet the challenges of serving the people of his local government creditably.
He urged him not to see his office as that of self glorification and aggrandizement but to work in harmony with his council members in order to avoid discord and improve the living condition of the people.
Speaking further, the governor advised the chairman to come up with pragmatic and strategic action plan that would move the local government to greater heights.
“ I hope you will not engage in power tussle? I appeal to you to eschew bitterness, rancor and make room to accomdate various shades of opinion so as to formulate and effective action plan for the local government.”
Responding the chairman Mr. Christopher Okafor appreciated God for the victory he granted him at the election tribunal and promised the government that he will do his best to serve his people of Oshimili North better.
He commended the governor for his achievement in the state and promised to follow suit in his local government saying “ I will be of good character and will do my best to serve my people better.”
Prince Sam Obi who made the call while swearing in two newly appointed commisioners, Barrister Kate Onianwa and Chief Comas Ighoraye in Asaba said his administration was determined to change the precepts that politics is a make or mar activity.
He noted that the act of governance has become complex and very demanding as such only brillant, articulate and progressive minded people are appointed into positions of leadership adding that the newly appointed commissioners are thorough bred administrators that can deliver.
“The two Deltans who have just taken their oath of office are thorough bred administrators and passionate democrats. The State appoints Deltans that are brilliant, articulate and progressive minded to positions of leadership as the act of governance has become complex and very demanding.”
Speaking further the acting governor explained that the newly appointed commisioners are competent and will serve Deltans well through their years of experience saying “ you have to know that service to the people is the best opportunity to serve God.’
He assures Deltans that his government would ensure that poverty, hunger, squallor and illiteracy are drastically reduced in the State through the formulation of policies and programs that would improve their welfare.
Prince Obi charged the newly appointed comissioners to be objective in the discharge of their duties and not subscibe to any ill feelings based on political differences adding that they should harness the resources in their ministries to give a new lease of life to the people.
In a brief response, Barr Kate Onianwa, thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointment and promised that they would do their best to serve Deltans better.
She assured Deltans that they would not dssappoint them especially the Women “ Deltans we will do our best to serve you better. Our telephones are open, our offices are open you can always reach us.”
In a related development Prince Sam Obi has also sworn in Mr. Christopher Okafor as the new chairman of Oshimili north local government area with a charge to meet the challenges of serving the people of his local government creditably.
He urged him not to see his office as that of self glorification and aggrandizement but to work in harmony with his council members in order to avoid discord and improve the living condition of the people.
Speaking further, the governor advised the chairman to come up with pragmatic and strategic action plan that would move the local government to greater heights.
“ I hope you will not engage in power tussle? I appeal to you to eschew bitterness, rancor and make room to accomdate various shades of opinion so as to formulate and effective action plan for the local government.”
Responding the chairman Mr. Christopher Okafor appreciated God for the victory he granted him at the election tribunal and promised the government that he will do his best to serve his people of Oshimili North better.
He commended the governor for his achievement in the state and promised to follow suit in his local government saying “ I will be of good character and will do my best to serve my people better.”
Deltans must avoid bitterness.......Sam Obi
The Acting governor, of Delta state, Prince Sam Obi has charge Deltans to avoid bitterness, rancor conflict and embrace dialogue and harmonious relationship in order to sustain the pace fought for the nation.
Prince Sam Obi who gave the charge during the 2011Armed Forces remembrance emblem appeal week explained that the fallen hero’s of our country paid a supreme sacrifice to enable us enjoy the peace we experience today.
The Acting governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government Dr. Beatrice Omeni stated that the annual event was observed in memory of our fallen heroes who laid down their lives during the 1st and 2nd world war the Nigerian civil war and various peace keeping operations in conflict regions.
Prince Obi appealed to Deltans to donate generously towards the Emblem launching as the fund would be used for the rehabilitation of orphans, widows of departed Soldiers and for the surviving disabled ex-servicemen and women in the country.
Explaining further he appealed to all who made pledges at last year’s armed forces remembrance emblem appeal week to redeem it in order for the legion to execute its programmes.
“The state government is always ready to identify with the Nigeria legion. I call on all who made pledges to the body in the past to redeem it as this will enable the legion execute its programmes”.
In a welcome address, the state chairman of Nigeria legion Lt. Col Lucky Bebeteidor commended the state government for their support and pledged the legions continuous loyality to the state.
He noted that the one week programme which commences today was to honour the fallen hero’s and care for the dependants they left behind and appealed to Deltans to donate generously towards the launching to enable the legion achieve its aim.
“We thank the state government for their continuous support. Our prayer is the God will bless you for honouring the national scheme”.
Lt. Col. Bebetoidor appealed to the state governor to include the Nigeria legion as beneficiaries in the state transport scheme saying “we have already applied and appeal to the acting governor to approve it”.
Prince Sam Obi who gave the charge during the 2011Armed Forces remembrance emblem appeal week explained that the fallen hero’s of our country paid a supreme sacrifice to enable us enjoy the peace we experience today.
The Acting governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government Dr. Beatrice Omeni stated that the annual event was observed in memory of our fallen heroes who laid down their lives during the 1st and 2nd world war the Nigerian civil war and various peace keeping operations in conflict regions.
Prince Obi appealed to Deltans to donate generously towards the Emblem launching as the fund would be used for the rehabilitation of orphans, widows of departed Soldiers and for the surviving disabled ex-servicemen and women in the country.
Explaining further he appealed to all who made pledges at last year’s armed forces remembrance emblem appeal week to redeem it in order for the legion to execute its programmes.
“The state government is always ready to identify with the Nigeria legion. I call on all who made pledges to the body in the past to redeem it as this will enable the legion execute its programmes”.
In a welcome address, the state chairman of Nigeria legion Lt. Col Lucky Bebeteidor commended the state government for their support and pledged the legions continuous loyality to the state.
He noted that the one week programme which commences today was to honour the fallen hero’s and care for the dependants they left behind and appealed to Deltans to donate generously towards the launching to enable the legion achieve its aim.
“We thank the state government for their continuous support. Our prayer is the God will bless you for honouring the national scheme”.
Lt. Col. Bebetoidor appealed to the state governor to include the Nigeria legion as beneficiaries in the state transport scheme saying “we have already applied and appeal to the acting governor to approve it”.
Public Statement
Why the PDP want Tinubu incarcerated?
Text of a press conference addressed by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, lamco552003@yahoo.com
National Publicity Secretary, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) LAGOS
Friday 7th January 2011
BACKGROUND
A few weeks ago, precisely on Dec. 5th 2010, we alerted Nigerians to the surreptitious and dangerous moves being made to silence our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by those who are worried by his prime role in the ‘hurricane progressive’ that is sweeping across the South-west, and making its way to other parts of the country. We said these desperadoes will use everything in their arsenal, including the power of the state and even the final solution, a la Bola Ige, to silence Asiwaju Tinubu. We said President Goodluck Jonathan is under tremendous pressure to sign on to the plan, and that he had - as at the date we raised that alarm - resisted the pressure. Well, we can now tell you that President Jonathan seems to have finally succumbed to pressure by signing on to the evil plan. Now we have it on good authority that the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice is being put under tremendous pressure to look for any offence, no matter how flimsy, to get Tinubu arrested and prosecuted - just to put him away. We understand that if he eventually capitulate under pressure, he may sign a warrant for Tinubu’s arrest anytime from now. We still do not know, specifically, what he will be arrested for, but we know why.
WHY TINUBU?
It is no longer news that the fortunes of our party, the Action Congress of Nigeria, have been growing in leaps and bounds. From one state, we now have four states. We are also making inroads into other parts of the country, from Akwa Ibom (Senator John James Akpanudoedehe has joined our party) to Imo (Ifeanyi Ararume and Achike Udenwa are on board), to Anambra (five members of the National Assembly have joined our party), to Rivers (Former Transport Minister Abiye Seikibo is with us), to Benue (where Senator George Akume and co have declared for our party), to Jigawa (where former Governor Saminu Turaki has hopped onto the progressive train), to Taraba (Senator Joel Danlami is on board), Bauchi (the entire CPC structure and executive have decamped to our party) and to Gombe (cabinet members have also decamped to our party), just to mention a few.
As our party’s fortunes rise, the prospect of the ruling PDP becomes dimmer and dimmer by the day. And as the 2011 general elections approach, it is becoming increasingly clear to the discerning that we are the toast of all Nigerians seeking better governance and the deepening of democracy. But there is more to it! Tinubu is seen as the architect of PDP’s deconstruction. And he has to be stopped at all cost! Whatever may be the reason for his impending arrest is a smokescreen. What offence could he have committed that has taken the authorities almost four years to seek his arrest? Is this coincidence in timing between the arrest and the forthcoming general elections not striking?
THE DESPERATE PLAN
Those behind this plot have been meeting across the country to hone their plan. In one of the meetings, they said everything must be done to stop the putative alliance between our party and the CPC - which they see as capable of ending the years of misrule by the PDP. Concerning our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, the end-gamers are going for the final solution. Mere arrest for whatever reason may seem innocuous and routine, but it is just the first step. Their plan is to ultimately give Asiwaju Tinubu, while in detention, the Yar’Adua or Abiola treatment. They do not intend to let him return home alive! We are not crying wolf here, we have every reason to worry, to speak out and to alert Nigerians to this evil plan.
PDP/PPRESIDENT JONATHAN’S DESPERATION
We have had reasons to warn about the growing desperation of the PDP and its candidates, as the 2011 general elections approach. We have called attention of Nigerians to the scorched-earth, intra-party campaign within the PDP, particularly between the two presidential aspirants who have thrown everything at each other to gain an upper hand. We have expressed concern that if the candidates can go for each other’s jugular in an intra-party campaign, they will probably take the campaign a notch higher when they confront candidates from other parties.
Well, the answers are coming in earlier than we even anticipated. For President Goodluck Jonathan, the hawks seem to have finally convinced him that it is either he wins the presidency or our democracy is truncated. The signs of his growing desperation are there for all to see: Six of the PDP state Governors recently contributed 3 billion Naira for his campaign, at a time that Nigerians are barely making ends meet, that roads are becoming more and more impassable and hospitals are not even up to consulting clinics! Yet no one has set the EFCC/ICPC after those behind what amounts to using our commonwealth to satisfy the whims and caprice of one man.
Also, 1 billion dollars have been secretly and hurriedly shared out to the states from the excess crude oil accounts, just to secure support for President Jonathan and give his backers the necessary war chest needed to fight ahead of April’s election. According to reports, the money was shared out in a foreign currency, at the detriment of our own currency. This is nothing but economic sabotage, yet there is not a whimper from those whose duty it is to check things like this, and no arrests warrants have been signed in respect of this.
In recent times, bombs have been exploding across the country in an unprecedented degeneration of security in a country that is not at war. Hundreds have been killed or maimed. Do we know those behind this? Do we know their motives? Could it be part of the end game? We leave Nigerians to judge for themselves. And PDP primaries have been marred by violence, killings and maiming, just to highlight the desperation that is growing within the ranks of the PDP.
OUR STAND
Finally, it is clear that the season of anomie is here, and all Nigerians must speak up and do everything within their power and in accordance with the law to stop those who are bent on either having their way or truncating this democracy.
On our part, we will not sit back and fold our arms while those who fought for the democracy we are enjoying today are demonised and decapitated.
We will not allow those who were mere cheerleaders when the likes of Tinubu were in the trenches to now bring down the house over everyone just to have their way.
We will do everything within the law to ensure that Nigeria survives and that our democracy thrives.
We call on all Nigerians to reject the desperation of the PDP and President Jonathan to stop the wind of change blowing across the country.
We reject the targeting of Tinubu whom they see as the architect of the change that is threatening the PDP.
We warn that nothing must happen to this icon of democracy and good governance, so as not to set in motion a chain of events the end of which no one can predict!
And for Nigerians who may think this is mere politics, we leave them with the eternal words of Pastor Martin Niemoller:
First they came for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.
Ends.
Text of a press conference addressed by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, lamco552003@yahoo.com
National Publicity Secretary, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) LAGOS
Friday 7th January 2011
BACKGROUND
A few weeks ago, precisely on Dec. 5th 2010, we alerted Nigerians to the surreptitious and dangerous moves being made to silence our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by those who are worried by his prime role in the ‘hurricane progressive’ that is sweeping across the South-west, and making its way to other parts of the country. We said these desperadoes will use everything in their arsenal, including the power of the state and even the final solution, a la Bola Ige, to silence Asiwaju Tinubu. We said President Goodluck Jonathan is under tremendous pressure to sign on to the plan, and that he had - as at the date we raised that alarm - resisted the pressure. Well, we can now tell you that President Jonathan seems to have finally succumbed to pressure by signing on to the evil plan. Now we have it on good authority that the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice is being put under tremendous pressure to look for any offence, no matter how flimsy, to get Tinubu arrested and prosecuted - just to put him away. We understand that if he eventually capitulate under pressure, he may sign a warrant for Tinubu’s arrest anytime from now. We still do not know, specifically, what he will be arrested for, but we know why.
WHY TINUBU?
It is no longer news that the fortunes of our party, the Action Congress of Nigeria, have been growing in leaps and bounds. From one state, we now have four states. We are also making inroads into other parts of the country, from Akwa Ibom (Senator John James Akpanudoedehe has joined our party) to Imo (Ifeanyi Ararume and Achike Udenwa are on board), to Anambra (five members of the National Assembly have joined our party), to Rivers (Former Transport Minister Abiye Seikibo is with us), to Benue (where Senator George Akume and co have declared for our party), to Jigawa (where former Governor Saminu Turaki has hopped onto the progressive train), to Taraba (Senator Joel Danlami is on board), Bauchi (the entire CPC structure and executive have decamped to our party) and to Gombe (cabinet members have also decamped to our party), just to mention a few.
As our party’s fortunes rise, the prospect of the ruling PDP becomes dimmer and dimmer by the day. And as the 2011 general elections approach, it is becoming increasingly clear to the discerning that we are the toast of all Nigerians seeking better governance and the deepening of democracy. But there is more to it! Tinubu is seen as the architect of PDP’s deconstruction. And he has to be stopped at all cost! Whatever may be the reason for his impending arrest is a smokescreen. What offence could he have committed that has taken the authorities almost four years to seek his arrest? Is this coincidence in timing between the arrest and the forthcoming general elections not striking?
THE DESPERATE PLAN
Those behind this plot have been meeting across the country to hone their plan. In one of the meetings, they said everything must be done to stop the putative alliance between our party and the CPC - which they see as capable of ending the years of misrule by the PDP. Concerning our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, the end-gamers are going for the final solution. Mere arrest for whatever reason may seem innocuous and routine, but it is just the first step. Their plan is to ultimately give Asiwaju Tinubu, while in detention, the Yar’Adua or Abiola treatment. They do not intend to let him return home alive! We are not crying wolf here, we have every reason to worry, to speak out and to alert Nigerians to this evil plan.
PDP/PPRESIDENT JONATHAN’S DESPERATION
We have had reasons to warn about the growing desperation of the PDP and its candidates, as the 2011 general elections approach. We have called attention of Nigerians to the scorched-earth, intra-party campaign within the PDP, particularly between the two presidential aspirants who have thrown everything at each other to gain an upper hand. We have expressed concern that if the candidates can go for each other’s jugular in an intra-party campaign, they will probably take the campaign a notch higher when they confront candidates from other parties.
Well, the answers are coming in earlier than we even anticipated. For President Goodluck Jonathan, the hawks seem to have finally convinced him that it is either he wins the presidency or our democracy is truncated. The signs of his growing desperation are there for all to see: Six of the PDP state Governors recently contributed 3 billion Naira for his campaign, at a time that Nigerians are barely making ends meet, that roads are becoming more and more impassable and hospitals are not even up to consulting clinics! Yet no one has set the EFCC/ICPC after those behind what amounts to using our commonwealth to satisfy the whims and caprice of one man.
Also, 1 billion dollars have been secretly and hurriedly shared out to the states from the excess crude oil accounts, just to secure support for President Jonathan and give his backers the necessary war chest needed to fight ahead of April’s election. According to reports, the money was shared out in a foreign currency, at the detriment of our own currency. This is nothing but economic sabotage, yet there is not a whimper from those whose duty it is to check things like this, and no arrests warrants have been signed in respect of this.
In recent times, bombs have been exploding across the country in an unprecedented degeneration of security in a country that is not at war. Hundreds have been killed or maimed. Do we know those behind this? Do we know their motives? Could it be part of the end game? We leave Nigerians to judge for themselves. And PDP primaries have been marred by violence, killings and maiming, just to highlight the desperation that is growing within the ranks of the PDP.
OUR STAND
Finally, it is clear that the season of anomie is here, and all Nigerians must speak up and do everything within their power and in accordance with the law to stop those who are bent on either having their way or truncating this democracy.
On our part, we will not sit back and fold our arms while those who fought for the democracy we are enjoying today are demonised and decapitated.
We will not allow those who were mere cheerleaders when the likes of Tinubu were in the trenches to now bring down the house over everyone just to have their way.
We will do everything within the law to ensure that Nigeria survives and that our democracy thrives.
We call on all Nigerians to reject the desperation of the PDP and President Jonathan to stop the wind of change blowing across the country.
We reject the targeting of Tinubu whom they see as the architect of the change that is threatening the PDP.
We warn that nothing must happen to this icon of democracy and good governance, so as not to set in motion a chain of events the end of which no one can predict!
And for Nigerians who may think this is mere politics, we leave them with the eternal words of Pastor Martin Niemoller:
First they came for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.
Ends.
Suspected Islamic militants at it again! Kill eight in Borno
Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, was the scene of yet another bloodbath on Wednesday night as assailants believed to be members of a radical Islamic group killed eight people, including three policemen, in the city.
An army spokesman, Lt. Abubakar Abdullahi, told the Agence France Presse by telephone that the members of the group known as Boko Haram struck at five different locations in the city.
An army spokesman, Lt. Abubakar Abdullahi, told the Agence France Presse by telephone that the members of the group known as Boko Haram struck at five different locations in the city.
Obasanjo, Lar, others protest at PDP headquarters
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and some notable leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party were at the party’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday over the crises trailing the ongoing primaries of the party.
The other PDP leaders that were at the party’s headquarters in Abuja included governors Sullivan Chime (Enugu) and Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo) as well as the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Taofeek Arapaja.
Also at the party’s headquarters were the former National Chairman of the party, Chief Solomon Lar; the Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu; ex-President of the Senate , Chief Ken Nnamani; a former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo; ex-Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) and a former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Kolapo Ishola.
When accosted, Obasanjo, laughing, declined to state the reason(s) for his visit . But after much prompting, he continued with his laughter and said “may God not take laughter out of my mouth and may He (God) also not take laughter out of your own mouths,”.
However, an anonymous NWC member said “The BOT chairman came to complain about the conduct of primaries across the country, especially the one in his home state. He warned that if care was not taken, the party could lose in some states.”
With the stream of unsatisfactory reactions to the conduct of the recent PDP primaries across the country, do you see the party heading for an internal crisis that might affect their overall performance in the coming general elections?
The other PDP leaders that were at the party’s headquarters in Abuja included governors Sullivan Chime (Enugu) and Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo) as well as the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Taofeek Arapaja.
Also at the party’s headquarters were the former National Chairman of the party, Chief Solomon Lar; the Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu; ex-President of the Senate , Chief Ken Nnamani; a former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo; ex-Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) and a former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Kolapo Ishola.
When accosted, Obasanjo, laughing, declined to state the reason(s) for his visit . But after much prompting, he continued with his laughter and said “may God not take laughter out of my mouth and may He (God) also not take laughter out of your own mouths,”.
However, an anonymous NWC member said “The BOT chairman came to complain about the conduct of primaries across the country, especially the one in his home state. He warned that if care was not taken, the party could lose in some states.”
With the stream of unsatisfactory reactions to the conduct of the recent PDP primaries across the country, do you see the party heading for an internal crisis that might affect their overall performance in the coming general elections?
Drama As Obasanjo’s, MKO’s Daughters Claim Victory In Parallel Congress
•Daniel Wins
Ogun State governor, Chief Gbenga Daniel, on Friday, won the Ogun East Senatorial District ticket at the National Assembly primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Daniel, who clinched the ticket with 2,021 votes, defeated his opponents, Senator Lekan Mustapha, who is currently occupying the seat, who polled eight votes; Ahmed Bankole-Shehu who had 10 votes and Toheeb Odunowo with one vote.
The exercise was held at the Gateway International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode. amid tight security.
In Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode, parallel primaries were held.
In Ijebu-Ode, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo, won the Ogun Central Senatorial District with 1,371 votes to defeat daughter of the late business mogul cum politician, Chief MKO Abiola, Lola Abiola-Edewor, who scored 41 votes.
But Abiola-Edewor defeated Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello by 567 votes to three in a parallel primaries held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
Also, in a parallel exercise held in Ijebu-Ode for the same Ogun East Senatorial seat, Mr Adetunji Odunowo scored 1,004 votes to defeat Governor Daniel, who scored 35 votes.
It was gathered that Senator Mustapha made a last-minute withdrawal from the race, a situation that paved the way for Odunowo.
As of the time of filing this report, result from the Ogun West District was not available.
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds" -Albert Einstein
Ogun State governor, Chief Gbenga Daniel, on Friday, won the Ogun East Senatorial District ticket at the National Assembly primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Daniel, who clinched the ticket with 2,021 votes, defeated his opponents, Senator Lekan Mustapha, who is currently occupying the seat, who polled eight votes; Ahmed Bankole-Shehu who had 10 votes and Toheeb Odunowo with one vote.
The exercise was held at the Gateway International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode. amid tight security.
In Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode, parallel primaries were held.
In Ijebu-Ode, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo, won the Ogun Central Senatorial District with 1,371 votes to defeat daughter of the late business mogul cum politician, Chief MKO Abiola, Lola Abiola-Edewor, who scored 41 votes.
But Abiola-Edewor defeated Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello by 567 votes to three in a parallel primaries held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
Also, in a parallel exercise held in Ijebu-Ode for the same Ogun East Senatorial seat, Mr Adetunji Odunowo scored 1,004 votes to defeat Governor Daniel, who scored 35 votes.
It was gathered that Senator Mustapha made a last-minute withdrawal from the race, a situation that paved the way for Odunowo.
As of the time of filing this report, result from the Ogun West District was not available.
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds" -Albert Einstein
Tinubu endorses Fashola for second term
After months of speculation from various quarters about the fate of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), in the coming 2011 elections, his predecessor in office and party leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, finally gave him the go-ahead to run for another four years in office in the 2011 poll.
Tinubu, while endorsing Fashola for a second term in office, raised the governor’s hands, saying, “By the power reposed on me by the ACN and in consultation with all party leaders, I announce the endorsement of Babatunde Fashola for re-election as governor in the forthcoming election. I have endorsed him for second term. He has done us proud, he has set standard of governance for others to emulate.”
No doubt Fashola has performed creditably well as the Governor of Lagos state in the last 4 years, but does this recent action imply that there will be no gubernatorial primaries in Lagos State?
Tinubu, while endorsing Fashola for a second term in office, raised the governor’s hands, saying, “By the power reposed on me by the ACN and in consultation with all party leaders, I announce the endorsement of Babatunde Fashola for re-election as governor in the forthcoming election. I have endorsed him for second term. He has done us proud, he has set standard of governance for others to emulate.”
No doubt Fashola has performed creditably well as the Governor of Lagos state in the last 4 years, but does this recent action imply that there will be no gubernatorial primaries in Lagos State?
We won’t allow Jonathan emerge president” – Tanko Yakasai
The co-ordinator of Northern Elders Assembly, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has expressed the determination of northern elders to prevent President Goodluck Jonathan from returning to the presidency.
Speaking to Daily Trust in Kano yesterday, the elder statesman said before considering supporting any other candidate, their main objective is to stop President Jonathan’s bid to return to Aso Rock.
“Our main concern now is to floor Jonathan and ensure that he does not contest. And we are doing our best to see that the presidency returns to the North,” he said.
He said the Northern Elders Assembly was in court challenging the right of President Jonathan to vie for the presidency. According to him, his group, alongside the Northern Political Forum, prayed the court to bar the president from contesting.
“I can tell you that even if the president scales through the hurdles, the North would consider another option,” Yakasai said.
Asked whether they were planning to support the presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) retired General Muhammadu Buhari as their alternative, the Second Republic presidential aide noted that currently there was no plan of that nature. “Well, we have no plan to support any candidate but if the need arises, we will sit and deliberate upon the Buhari option,” he said.
Speaking to Daily Trust in Kano yesterday, the elder statesman said before considering supporting any other candidate, their main objective is to stop President Jonathan’s bid to return to Aso Rock.
“Our main concern now is to floor Jonathan and ensure that he does not contest. And we are doing our best to see that the presidency returns to the North,” he said.
He said the Northern Elders Assembly was in court challenging the right of President Jonathan to vie for the presidency. According to him, his group, alongside the Northern Political Forum, prayed the court to bar the president from contesting.
“I can tell you that even if the president scales through the hurdles, the North would consider another option,” Yakasai said.
Asked whether they were planning to support the presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) retired General Muhammadu Buhari as their alternative, the Second Republic presidential aide noted that currently there was no plan of that nature. “Well, we have no plan to support any candidate but if the need arises, we will sit and deliberate upon the Buhari option,” he said.
Presidency to spend N1.57m on food daily
Emerging details of this year’s budget proposals indicate that the Presidency has proposed to spend N574m on food in 2011. When this total is spread over the 365 days in 2011, the average amount that the Presidency will spend on food per day is a little over N1.57m.
The N574m is N168.7m more than the N405.3m spent by the same office on ‘food stuff supplies’ in 2010. However, the 2010 figure is exclusive of the sum expended on foods eaten during summits. A separate sub-head for “meals/entertainment” for summits held at the State House last year totalled N73m.
It (N574m) is also part of the N13.9bn that will be used to fund sub-heads and the overhead cost of the State House or Presidential Villa.
The details, which our correspondent obtained on Monday, showed that the rehabilitation of the State House Guest House in the Marina, Lagos, would cost N1.2bn.
Similarly, “residential furniture” items for the Presidency are to be purchased for a whopping N1.1bn this year.
The furnishing of Vice-President’s two guest houses — one in Asokoro and the other called “Aguda House,”— will cost N500m.
The furniture for the guest house in Asokoro will cost N100m, while that of Aguda House will consume N400m.
Incidentally, the lounge of Aguda Guest House was extended in 2010 for N50m. Another guest house was also furnished for the Vice-President’s use in 2010 for N50m.
This year, the “purchase of canteen/kitchen equipment” for the Presidential Villa will also gulp N553.6m.
Further details of the 2011 budget estimates showed that out of the N553.6m, N150m will be used to fund “household equipment and materials for the Vice-President’s office.”
However, in 2010, a provision of N240m was made for the purchase of office, household and kitchen equipment for Asokoro Guest House.
Other details show that the Director of Protocol to the Vice-President, his Aide- De- Camp, and other aides are to be housed in new official quarters to cost N560m in 2011.
Dodan Barracks in Lagos will also benefit from the presidential renovation in 2011, as it has a provision of N400m in the budget.
President Goodluck Jonathan presented a N4.23tn budget to the National Assembly for approval on December 15.
The sum comprises N198.12bn for statutory transfers, N542.32bn for debt service; N2,481.71tn for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure; and N1,005.9tn for capital expenditure.
The government also earmarked the sum of N347.2bn for critical infrastructure development.
This includes capital allocations of N86.25bn for power; N20.74bn for Aviation; N10.27bn for petroleum resources; N136.88bn for works; N48.9bn for transport; N44.18bn for the Federal Capital Territory; N35.01bn for education; N33.35bn for health; N29.46bn for agricultural development; and N24.76bn for water resources.
The N574m is N168.7m more than the N405.3m spent by the same office on ‘food stuff supplies’ in 2010. However, the 2010 figure is exclusive of the sum expended on foods eaten during summits. A separate sub-head for “meals/entertainment” for summits held at the State House last year totalled N73m.
It (N574m) is also part of the N13.9bn that will be used to fund sub-heads and the overhead cost of the State House or Presidential Villa.
The details, which our correspondent obtained on Monday, showed that the rehabilitation of the State House Guest House in the Marina, Lagos, would cost N1.2bn.
Similarly, “residential furniture” items for the Presidency are to be purchased for a whopping N1.1bn this year.
The furnishing of Vice-President’s two guest houses — one in Asokoro and the other called “Aguda House,”— will cost N500m.
The furniture for the guest house in Asokoro will cost N100m, while that of Aguda House will consume N400m.
Incidentally, the lounge of Aguda Guest House was extended in 2010 for N50m. Another guest house was also furnished for the Vice-President’s use in 2010 for N50m.
This year, the “purchase of canteen/kitchen equipment” for the Presidential Villa will also gulp N553.6m.
Further details of the 2011 budget estimates showed that out of the N553.6m, N150m will be used to fund “household equipment and materials for the Vice-President’s office.”
However, in 2010, a provision of N240m was made for the purchase of office, household and kitchen equipment for Asokoro Guest House.
Other details show that the Director of Protocol to the Vice-President, his Aide- De- Camp, and other aides are to be housed in new official quarters to cost N560m in 2011.
Dodan Barracks in Lagos will also benefit from the presidential renovation in 2011, as it has a provision of N400m in the budget.
President Goodluck Jonathan presented a N4.23tn budget to the National Assembly for approval on December 15.
The sum comprises N198.12bn for statutory transfers, N542.32bn for debt service; N2,481.71tn for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure; and N1,005.9tn for capital expenditure.
The government also earmarked the sum of N347.2bn for critical infrastructure development.
This includes capital allocations of N86.25bn for power; N20.74bn for Aviation; N10.27bn for petroleum resources; N136.88bn for works; N48.9bn for transport; N44.18bn for the Federal Capital Territory; N35.01bn for education; N33.35bn for health; N29.46bn for agricultural development; and N24.76bn for water resources.
Church Bombings: Christians, this is no time for hatred!
There has been series of bomb blasts in the northern part of the country within the past few days. The latest bombings occurred at the eve of the new year celebrations. However, the intriguing part of the whole bombing story is that the perpetrators of this dastardly act have obviously been targeting churches.
There are strong indications that the Islamic fundamentalist group, Jama’atu Ahlus-Sunnah Lidda’Awati Wal Jihad, which claimed responsibility for the Christmas Eve multiple bomb blasts in Jos, Plateau State who are also touted to have a link to the terrorist group, Al-Qaeda might be responsible for these serial bombings.
I however want to seize this medium to make a passionate plea to all my Christian brethren to endure these persecution. This is not the time to hate our Muslim brethren or attempt to retaliate. I can say authoritatively that this is not a general orchestration by the Muslim faithfuls, but the handiwork of a handful of extremists and their actions might not be unpolitical... Their intentions are clear, to plunge this nation into a state of anarchy so that they can perfect their evil enterprise. But God will definitely frustrate their token and bring their counsel to naught.
My condolence goes to all those who have lost family and friends as a result of these serial bombings, I pray that the Almighty God Himself will console you on every side.
I leave you All with these scriptural quotes to strengthen your faith in face of these persecution:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
— Matthew 5:10-12
"But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten."
—Jeremiah 20:11
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours."
—John 15:18-20
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
—Romans 8:35-39
"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh."
—2 Corinthians 4:8-11
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name."
—1 Peter 4:12-14, 16
Now I commend you to our God and the word of His grace that is able to keep you, build you and give you an inheritance among those who are sanctified.
God bless you!
God bless Nigeria!
There are strong indications that the Islamic fundamentalist group, Jama’atu Ahlus-Sunnah Lidda’Awati Wal Jihad, which claimed responsibility for the Christmas Eve multiple bomb blasts in Jos, Plateau State who are also touted to have a link to the terrorist group, Al-Qaeda might be responsible for these serial bombings.
I however want to seize this medium to make a passionate plea to all my Christian brethren to endure these persecution. This is not the time to hate our Muslim brethren or attempt to retaliate. I can say authoritatively that this is not a general orchestration by the Muslim faithfuls, but the handiwork of a handful of extremists and their actions might not be unpolitical... Their intentions are clear, to plunge this nation into a state of anarchy so that they can perfect their evil enterprise. But God will definitely frustrate their token and bring their counsel to naught.
My condolence goes to all those who have lost family and friends as a result of these serial bombings, I pray that the Almighty God Himself will console you on every side.
I leave you All with these scriptural quotes to strengthen your faith in face of these persecution:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
— Matthew 5:10-12
"But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten."
—Jeremiah 20:11
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours."
—John 15:18-20
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
—Romans 8:35-39
"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh."
—2 Corinthians 4:8-11
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name."
—1 Peter 4:12-14, 16
Now I commend you to our God and the word of His grace that is able to keep you, build you and give you an inheritance among those who are sanctified.
God bless you!
God bless Nigeria!
Bombings: FBI Agents dispatched to Nigeria
The United States has dispatched Federal Bureau of Investigation agents to Nigeria to help security agents probe the deadly bombings at the Modagishu Barracks in Abuja on New Year’s Eve.
Homeland Security Secretary, Ms Janet Napolitano, who made this known to Fox News on Sunday in Qatar, did not give the number of the FBI agents.
It was not clear as at 8pm on Sunday if the agents had arrived in Nigeria.
Napolitano, according to the Associated Press, told Fox that the attacks which left 11 people dead and many wounded showed that international terrorism ”knows no bounds.”
As I welcome this development, two questions on my lips are:
1. Is this a guaranty that this dastardly acts will come to an end soonest?
2. When will Nigeria start exporting 'agents'?
God bless Nigeria!
Homeland Security Secretary, Ms Janet Napolitano, who made this known to Fox News on Sunday in Qatar, did not give the number of the FBI agents.
It was not clear as at 8pm on Sunday if the agents had arrived in Nigeria.
Napolitano, according to the Associated Press, told Fox that the attacks which left 11 people dead and many wounded showed that international terrorism ”knows no bounds.”
As I welcome this development, two questions on my lips are:
1. Is this a guaranty that this dastardly acts will come to an end soonest?
2. When will Nigeria start exporting 'agents'?
God bless Nigeria!
Wole Soyinka,Nigerian media and Edo rally
To assume that our icon and respected professor of English Literature, Professor Wole Soyinka is adjudged a “Saint” by many in Nigeria and the world would probably be a correct assumption. There is nothing wrong in this because as we all know, the pantheon of saints is filled with men and women who were once ordinary mortals. Given the length and substance of contributions of the revered Professor to struggles for social and civil development in Nigeria and his constant quest for a fair political system for the country, it is one’s candid opinion that he deserves his sainthood.WS
When a human being reaches the pedestal of sainthood, he is no longer a private property. He is like a comet. He draws attention wherever he goes and wherever he shows up. He becomes the barometer with which others are measured. He becomes the standard to which many aspire. He becomes the property of all those who adore him and those who worship at his feet. He becomes a public figure whose all acts and utterances would elicit more than ordinary interest and scrutiny. He is passionately admired and reverently regarded. In the eyes of his devotees, he could hardly do any wrong. As a result of this, much would always be conceded to him while much more would continue to be expected of him.
Responding to a “saint” who has many non-questioning admirers, is a difficult task because such a venture is fraught with danger- yes, the danger of being misunderstood. But as Professor Soyinka himself would testify as a proud son of Oodua, in Yorubaland we respect our elders very tremendously, but we are never afraid to ask them questions and hold them accountable. Thus, in this follow up that would be my final commentary on this issue regardless of what serves as its concomitants I would maintain the respect I have for the revered Kongi in full.
I am sure that the Professor would be disappointed if I fail to respond having suggested in his “TEA BREAK IN NAIJA,” that Remi Oyeyemi is “irresponsible.” He claimed that I, REMI OYEYEMI am “a faceless individual.” WOW!! This is an incredible claim by a Professor known for his intellectual prowess and diligence. After reading his piece, my first inkling was to let the matter rest. But it is difficult to let the highly esteemed Professor get away with the less than classy act of calling this writer “irresponsible” and a “faceless individual.”
It is amazing that this eminent Professor who accused me of not doing my “home work” is actually the one who failed to do his home work. In his response to my initial piece, he implied that he has many friends in the media who have decided against using some stories or articles about him (Soyinka) that they deemed unworthy in the past. If he had bothered to ask around the same media circles that he boasted about, at least one or two people would have told him that REMI OYEYEMI is not “faceless.” Going beyond that he could have picked up his phone to speak to some of the political personalities that he mentioned were on the plane with him on his escape from Benin to Lagos, and some of them would have told him who REMI OYEYEMI is.
Professor Soyinka used the word “abuse” to describe the publication of my article by SAHARAREPORTERS. In my book the use of this word is in itself an “abuse” by my dear Professor. Needless to say that SAHARAREPORTERS is an unbiased medium that has often allowed the publication of all sides of an issue. To use such words to describe the medium’s act of publishing my article is a misuse of the word “abuse”. It is a serious challenge to have to say this about the distinguished Egba Englishman famous for his seminal command of grammar and dexterous aptitude for the use of diction.
The Professor suggested that SAHARAREPORTERS ought to have reached out to him and ask him about the details of what was in my article, most of which have been in the public domain except the questions that I raised. Wole Soyinka is advocating censorship? This is stranger than fiction! I am flabbergasted about this because I know how the Professor has always condemned censorship in the Nigerian society when some of our media houses were closed down especially during the era of the deadly duo of Generals Mohammadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon. What could have changed in the years gone by to get him to wantonly exhibit the same attitude that he called “dictatorial conceit” in describing my article? Is this a case of “pot calling the kettle black” when Professor Soyinka accused me of “deplorable tone of pomposity ....... that sets one’s teeth on edge.”
Before we move one, for purposes of clarity, it is important that the following “pertinent issues” as Professor Soyinka called them in his response are noted by the readers:
1. Did Professor Wole Soyinka get to Oshiomole’s House in Benin or not?
2. If he did, why was the Media led to believe that he turned back at the Benin Airport?
3. Why was it not reported in the Media that he met with IBB in Oshiomole’s Home before deciding not to attend the rally?
4. Why must Kongi wait until IBB’s controversial interview before telling the public that he actually met with IBB whom he wishes the world to believe he is not supporting, in Benin as he admitted in his response to Remi Oyeyemi?
5. Why did Kongi have to wait for Remi Oyeyemi’s article and about 54 days after the fact to now suggest to the public (in Tea Break in Naija) that the Media reports of his visit to Edo State were not very accurate?
Professor Soyinka wrote the following:
“.....I remain in ignorance also of how the Nigerian media reported the Edo incident. Beyond my brief comment on return to Ikeja airport, I declined to give any interviews on the incident. I left the airport before the AC delegation. By agreement en route from Benin, they would do the talking. My only interest was to return to my US engagements without further loss of valuable time.”
The reports of what allegedly transpired in Edo State came out in all the national dailies on April 30, 2010. The Ibrahim Babangida’s interview came out 44 days after on June 13, 2010 in the COMPASS Newspaper. My article which was a reaction to IBB’s interview was actually submitted within 30 minutes of its completion on June 20,2010. If the media had misreported what transpired in Edo State in regard to Professor Soyinka as he implied in the quote above by claiming to be ignorant of “how the Nigerian media reported the incident,” the esteemed Professor had 44 days to set the record straight, before IBB had the chance to open the can of tea. But Professor Soyinka did not do so for reasons best known to him.
Since he also admitted in the quote above that “By agreement en route from Benin, they (the AC delegation) would do the talking,” where then is the fault of Remi Oyeyemi if Professor Soyinka’s friends gave less than complete version of events to the Nigerian media? It is assumed that before the Professor would agree that these friends of his (the AC delegation) should do the talking, he must have had a modicum of trust in them and believed that they would do a good job of it. If Professor Soyinka believed that the Nigerian Media did not do a good job reporting the events that occurred in Edo State, where was he in the previous 44 days before the IBB interview? And what is wrong if Remi Oyeyemi seeks clarification about the confusing reports?
Professor Soyinka was upset that my “article premised on a profusion of ‘ifs’, ‘maybes’, ‘might bes’, ‘it is possible that’, ‘alleged’, ‘reportedly’.” It is surprising that my highly esteemed Kongi did not know that the reason for that was because I, as a public commentator and admirer, was giving him benefit of the doubt which I believe he richly deserved. I wanted him to come out and clear the air about the insinuations that IBB was making in his interview. He has done that, but he was greatly mistaken by trying to blame Remi Oyeyemi for omissions that are patently Wole Soyinka’s.
Then Professor Soyinka made the following confession:
“.....I indeed met and exchanged ‘pleasantries’ with Babangida. When I discovered what had brought him into Oshiomole’s visitors’ lounge – in company of at least some twenty-odd other guests, including Governor Sylvia of Bayelsa – when I found that he had been invited to the rally, and that David Mark was also invited as Guest of Honour, I organized my leave-taking as fusslessly and efficiently as I know how, with a fortuitous timing that enabled me to hitch a ride in the chartered plane that brought AC leaders to Edo.”
Professor Soyinka needed to have gone beyond this mere confession to show Remi Oyeyemi’s “irresponsibility.” Where in all the MEDIA REPORTS was it reported that the Professor “indeed met and exchanged ‘pleasantries’ with Babangida?” It meant that if IBB, who probably have a different motive for the revelation of that happenstance, did not reveal such in his COMPASS interview, the world would have been made to believe that our revered Professor turned back from the Benin Airport? Doesn’t the Professor know that it is better that the world be made aware of what happened as soon as it happened rather than let it filter out? Does he not know that it would look “somehow” if this is heard third hand? Does he not see the ramification for his credibility in this context? Does he think this would be an issue if he had made the happenstance public before now rather than allow his friend IBB do this?
With due respect, after Professor Soyinka made the above quoted confession that he actually met IBB and exchanged pleasantries with him, it is highly preposterous, for the highly esteemed Professor to contend that he finds “Oyeyemi’s article pretentious, pompous and irresponsibly misleading.” How is Remi Oyeyemi’s article “misleading?” Have you not just confirmed and confessed to exchanging “pleasantries” (whatever that means) with IBB? What is “pretentious” about Remi Oyeyemi’s article when he (Oyeyemi) insisted that there was nothing wrong if you chose to drink tea with IBB and still not support him, but just make that clear to the observing public so that your actions were not misinterpreted? It is inaccurate to describe Oyeyemi’s article as “pompous” when all he was trying to do is to get clarification to an obvious obfuscation, except that our esteemed Professor thinks he ought not be questioned about his acts and utterances when such are unclear?
If this were to be the case it would be very unfortunate. Apart from the fact that it is against our culture in Yorubaland to shut up a younger person who has a legitimate concern, Professor Soyinka has put in about five decades of fight to creating a society where no one would be above the law and everyone could be held accountable for their choices and actions. To try and suggest now that he has to be an exception to this rule is rather baffling and confusing. Even the Great Obafemi Awolowo was not immune from constructive criticism from both friends and detractors alike. So, why is Wole Soyinka an exception?
In his “Tea Break in Naija,” Professor Wole Soyinka jabbed adroitly like Joe Frazier, pummelled nimbly like George Foreman and deftly danced around like Mohammad Ali as he employed his arsenal of diction to challenge the credibility and pertinence of my article. But dexterity at the usage of grammar and adept application of Lexis and Structure to convey an abstract idea in a mechanically accurate way does not necessarily equate unassailable facts. Some of the facts are as follows:
1. That it is true that Professor Wole Soyinka met IBB in Oshiomole’s house in Benin;
2. That Professor Wole Soyinka did not turn back from Benin Airport to return to Lagos as claimed in the media;
3. That Professor Wole Soyinka contracted the Press Briefings on the Benin Saga to his political friends some of whom I also happen to know;
4. That Professor Soyinka has a duty to check the media reports of the Benin Saga and ensure that he was not misrepresented, but he chose not to do so;
5. That the ignorance claimed by Professor Soyinka about “how the Nigerian media reported the Edo incident,” seemed a second thought and appeared to be a ploy to absolve himself of responsibility about the inaccurate media reports (as he now suggests) on the Edo incident;
6. That Professor Wole Soyinka did not shun the Benin rally because of Babangida as the media and the rest of us were made to believe but because of David Mark and he (Soyinka) confirmed this in his article responding to Remi Oyeyemi;
7. That Remi Oyeyemi is not “irresponsible” as claimed by Professor Wole Soyinka in his article “TEA BREAK IN NAIJA” for asking the germane questions that clarified these issues.
Professor Soyinka wrote inter alia:
“However, Ibrahim Babangida, in the account offered by Oyeyemi, was absolutely correct in one aspect. I have no personal problem with him or with any other individual to whom I openly identify as a political adversary. “ (emphasis mine)
This is very incorrect. Presently, I am not a reporter, just an op-ed contributor or public commentator. I was not reporting from Edo State. The account referred to is not my account. It is IBB’s account of events as reported in the interview granted to COMPASS Newspaper. It is amazing that Professor Soyinka would falsely attribute this to me to make a case of “irresponsibility” when it was clear that this was quoted as coming from COMPASS in my previous article. However, Professor Soyinka does not have to be defensive about his relationship with IBB, more so they have worked together before. All of us have the right to change our views or opinions about events and personalities.
Thus when Professor Soyinka added, “Babangida does however have a huge problem of political deficit with me, and with the nation, and that is the albatross that constitutes his problem,” he was just addressing the heart of the matter. This is the reason why dalliance with IBB should not be shrouded in a cocoon of secrecy so that others might not misinterpret and have unnecessary suspicions. It is also begging the question that Professor Soyinka would suggest that it was wrong for his choices and actions to be scrutinized by members of the public like Remi Oyeyemi when in fact he is not just a public figure he is also a celebrity adored by many and taken seriously by not just a few.
My highly esteemed Kongi also wrote as follows:
“Did Babangida really say we had tea together? I am learning of this weird claim for the first time. So what should I do? Sue him for defamation? Oyeyemi owes it to his readers to unravel the earth-shaking details of this tea session. Was it with milk? Cream? Sugar? Biscuits on the side?”
Sincerely speaking, I did not expect Professor Soyinka to be unduly ridiculous as he manifested in the above quote. With due respects to the esteemed Professor, the questions in the above quote sound a little languid as far as the issues at stake here are concerned. All Professor Soyinka had to do was to call for a copy of the COMPASS Newspaper interview that I referenced in my article to confirm what Babangida said or did not say. Remi Oyeyemi did not make anything up. The basis of my article was the IBB interview which portrayed the Professor in a less than candid manner. All that was needed was that the revered Professor should clear the air. Babangida has made his own revelation for whatever reasons known to him, it is now up to Professor Soyinka to tell the world any yet unknown aspects of the happenstance that IBB might have mischievously withheld and to sue IBB if he so desires. As to “the earth-shaking details of the tea session,” it is one’s hope that the Professor would not wait until another revealing interview comes out before he scrambles to scribble another tenuous defence of his acts of omissions and or commissions.
Between Remi Oyeyemi and Wole Soyinka, only one person has worked for Babangida in the past and that person is NOT Remi Oyeyemi. Thus for those readers who are quick to conclude that this criticism of Uncle Kongi is as a result of my fondness of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida I am recommending the following past articles by Remi Oyeyemi to them - QUESTIONS IBB MUST ANSWER published on July 12, 2002; A TALE OF TWO TRAITORS published on December 27, 2002 and FALAE’S IBB GAMBIT published on August 25, 2003 all of them on www.nigeriaworld.com. I have been involved in the media either directly or indirectly for about 25 years now. I do not need any publicity stunt. And this is not one either.
Hopefully by now, the highly esteemed Professor would have discovered that I, REMI OYEYEMI, am not “faceless.” This he would have found out if he did a better home work in the media and political circles that he was quick to flagrantly flaunt before rushing his rejoinder for publication. It is hoped the esteemed Professor would cease throwing around words like “home work” until he is able to lead by a personal example and spare the rest of us sanctimonious preachments. Regardless, I still maintain that everyone has the right to drink tea, “something stronger” or whatever with whomever he so chooses and can politically support whoever catches his or her fancy. But there is no reason to be defensive and camouflage actualities from those who expect candour and openness from us. Simplicita.
And this is my final word on this issue.
When a human being reaches the pedestal of sainthood, he is no longer a private property. He is like a comet. He draws attention wherever he goes and wherever he shows up. He becomes the barometer with which others are measured. He becomes the standard to which many aspire. He becomes the property of all those who adore him and those who worship at his feet. He becomes a public figure whose all acts and utterances would elicit more than ordinary interest and scrutiny. He is passionately admired and reverently regarded. In the eyes of his devotees, he could hardly do any wrong. As a result of this, much would always be conceded to him while much more would continue to be expected of him.
Responding to a “saint” who has many non-questioning admirers, is a difficult task because such a venture is fraught with danger- yes, the danger of being misunderstood. But as Professor Soyinka himself would testify as a proud son of Oodua, in Yorubaland we respect our elders very tremendously, but we are never afraid to ask them questions and hold them accountable. Thus, in this follow up that would be my final commentary on this issue regardless of what serves as its concomitants I would maintain the respect I have for the revered Kongi in full.
I am sure that the Professor would be disappointed if I fail to respond having suggested in his “TEA BREAK IN NAIJA,” that Remi Oyeyemi is “irresponsible.” He claimed that I, REMI OYEYEMI am “a faceless individual.” WOW!! This is an incredible claim by a Professor known for his intellectual prowess and diligence. After reading his piece, my first inkling was to let the matter rest. But it is difficult to let the highly esteemed Professor get away with the less than classy act of calling this writer “irresponsible” and a “faceless individual.”
It is amazing that this eminent Professor who accused me of not doing my “home work” is actually the one who failed to do his home work. In his response to my initial piece, he implied that he has many friends in the media who have decided against using some stories or articles about him (Soyinka) that they deemed unworthy in the past. If he had bothered to ask around the same media circles that he boasted about, at least one or two people would have told him that REMI OYEYEMI is not “faceless.” Going beyond that he could have picked up his phone to speak to some of the political personalities that he mentioned were on the plane with him on his escape from Benin to Lagos, and some of them would have told him who REMI OYEYEMI is.
Professor Soyinka used the word “abuse” to describe the publication of my article by SAHARAREPORTERS. In my book the use of this word is in itself an “abuse” by my dear Professor. Needless to say that SAHARAREPORTERS is an unbiased medium that has often allowed the publication of all sides of an issue. To use such words to describe the medium’s act of publishing my article is a misuse of the word “abuse”. It is a serious challenge to have to say this about the distinguished Egba Englishman famous for his seminal command of grammar and dexterous aptitude for the use of diction.
The Professor suggested that SAHARAREPORTERS ought to have reached out to him and ask him about the details of what was in my article, most of which have been in the public domain except the questions that I raised. Wole Soyinka is advocating censorship? This is stranger than fiction! I am flabbergasted about this because I know how the Professor has always condemned censorship in the Nigerian society when some of our media houses were closed down especially during the era of the deadly duo of Generals Mohammadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon. What could have changed in the years gone by to get him to wantonly exhibit the same attitude that he called “dictatorial conceit” in describing my article? Is this a case of “pot calling the kettle black” when Professor Soyinka accused me of “deplorable tone of pomposity ....... that sets one’s teeth on edge.”
Before we move one, for purposes of clarity, it is important that the following “pertinent issues” as Professor Soyinka called them in his response are noted by the readers:
1. Did Professor Wole Soyinka get to Oshiomole’s House in Benin or not?
2. If he did, why was the Media led to believe that he turned back at the Benin Airport?
3. Why was it not reported in the Media that he met with IBB in Oshiomole’s Home before deciding not to attend the rally?
4. Why must Kongi wait until IBB’s controversial interview before telling the public that he actually met with IBB whom he wishes the world to believe he is not supporting, in Benin as he admitted in his response to Remi Oyeyemi?
5. Why did Kongi have to wait for Remi Oyeyemi’s article and about 54 days after the fact to now suggest to the public (in Tea Break in Naija) that the Media reports of his visit to Edo State were not very accurate?
Professor Soyinka wrote the following:
“.....I remain in ignorance also of how the Nigerian media reported the Edo incident. Beyond my brief comment on return to Ikeja airport, I declined to give any interviews on the incident. I left the airport before the AC delegation. By agreement en route from Benin, they would do the talking. My only interest was to return to my US engagements without further loss of valuable time.”
The reports of what allegedly transpired in Edo State came out in all the national dailies on April 30, 2010. The Ibrahim Babangida’s interview came out 44 days after on June 13, 2010 in the COMPASS Newspaper. My article which was a reaction to IBB’s interview was actually submitted within 30 minutes of its completion on June 20,2010. If the media had misreported what transpired in Edo State in regard to Professor Soyinka as he implied in the quote above by claiming to be ignorant of “how the Nigerian media reported the incident,” the esteemed Professor had 44 days to set the record straight, before IBB had the chance to open the can of tea. But Professor Soyinka did not do so for reasons best known to him.
Since he also admitted in the quote above that “By agreement en route from Benin, they (the AC delegation) would do the talking,” where then is the fault of Remi Oyeyemi if Professor Soyinka’s friends gave less than complete version of events to the Nigerian media? It is assumed that before the Professor would agree that these friends of his (the AC delegation) should do the talking, he must have had a modicum of trust in them and believed that they would do a good job of it. If Professor Soyinka believed that the Nigerian Media did not do a good job reporting the events that occurred in Edo State, where was he in the previous 44 days before the IBB interview? And what is wrong if Remi Oyeyemi seeks clarification about the confusing reports?
Professor Soyinka was upset that my “article premised on a profusion of ‘ifs’, ‘maybes’, ‘might bes’, ‘it is possible that’, ‘alleged’, ‘reportedly’.” It is surprising that my highly esteemed Kongi did not know that the reason for that was because I, as a public commentator and admirer, was giving him benefit of the doubt which I believe he richly deserved. I wanted him to come out and clear the air about the insinuations that IBB was making in his interview. He has done that, but he was greatly mistaken by trying to blame Remi Oyeyemi for omissions that are patently Wole Soyinka’s.
Then Professor Soyinka made the following confession:
“.....I indeed met and exchanged ‘pleasantries’ with Babangida. When I discovered what had brought him into Oshiomole’s visitors’ lounge – in company of at least some twenty-odd other guests, including Governor Sylvia of Bayelsa – when I found that he had been invited to the rally, and that David Mark was also invited as Guest of Honour, I organized my leave-taking as fusslessly and efficiently as I know how, with a fortuitous timing that enabled me to hitch a ride in the chartered plane that brought AC leaders to Edo.”
Professor Soyinka needed to have gone beyond this mere confession to show Remi Oyeyemi’s “irresponsibility.” Where in all the MEDIA REPORTS was it reported that the Professor “indeed met and exchanged ‘pleasantries’ with Babangida?” It meant that if IBB, who probably have a different motive for the revelation of that happenstance, did not reveal such in his COMPASS interview, the world would have been made to believe that our revered Professor turned back from the Benin Airport? Doesn’t the Professor know that it is better that the world be made aware of what happened as soon as it happened rather than let it filter out? Does he not know that it would look “somehow” if this is heard third hand? Does he not see the ramification for his credibility in this context? Does he think this would be an issue if he had made the happenstance public before now rather than allow his friend IBB do this?
With due respect, after Professor Soyinka made the above quoted confession that he actually met IBB and exchanged pleasantries with him, it is highly preposterous, for the highly esteemed Professor to contend that he finds “Oyeyemi’s article pretentious, pompous and irresponsibly misleading.” How is Remi Oyeyemi’s article “misleading?” Have you not just confirmed and confessed to exchanging “pleasantries” (whatever that means) with IBB? What is “pretentious” about Remi Oyeyemi’s article when he (Oyeyemi) insisted that there was nothing wrong if you chose to drink tea with IBB and still not support him, but just make that clear to the observing public so that your actions were not misinterpreted? It is inaccurate to describe Oyeyemi’s article as “pompous” when all he was trying to do is to get clarification to an obvious obfuscation, except that our esteemed Professor thinks he ought not be questioned about his acts and utterances when such are unclear?
If this were to be the case it would be very unfortunate. Apart from the fact that it is against our culture in Yorubaland to shut up a younger person who has a legitimate concern, Professor Soyinka has put in about five decades of fight to creating a society where no one would be above the law and everyone could be held accountable for their choices and actions. To try and suggest now that he has to be an exception to this rule is rather baffling and confusing. Even the Great Obafemi Awolowo was not immune from constructive criticism from both friends and detractors alike. So, why is Wole Soyinka an exception?
In his “Tea Break in Naija,” Professor Wole Soyinka jabbed adroitly like Joe Frazier, pummelled nimbly like George Foreman and deftly danced around like Mohammad Ali as he employed his arsenal of diction to challenge the credibility and pertinence of my article. But dexterity at the usage of grammar and adept application of Lexis and Structure to convey an abstract idea in a mechanically accurate way does not necessarily equate unassailable facts. Some of the facts are as follows:
1. That it is true that Professor Wole Soyinka met IBB in Oshiomole’s house in Benin;
2. That Professor Wole Soyinka did not turn back from Benin Airport to return to Lagos as claimed in the media;
3. That Professor Wole Soyinka contracted the Press Briefings on the Benin Saga to his political friends some of whom I also happen to know;
4. That Professor Soyinka has a duty to check the media reports of the Benin Saga and ensure that he was not misrepresented, but he chose not to do so;
5. That the ignorance claimed by Professor Soyinka about “how the Nigerian media reported the Edo incident,” seemed a second thought and appeared to be a ploy to absolve himself of responsibility about the inaccurate media reports (as he now suggests) on the Edo incident;
6. That Professor Wole Soyinka did not shun the Benin rally because of Babangida as the media and the rest of us were made to believe but because of David Mark and he (Soyinka) confirmed this in his article responding to Remi Oyeyemi;
7. That Remi Oyeyemi is not “irresponsible” as claimed by Professor Wole Soyinka in his article “TEA BREAK IN NAIJA” for asking the germane questions that clarified these issues.
Professor Soyinka wrote inter alia:
“However, Ibrahim Babangida, in the account offered by Oyeyemi, was absolutely correct in one aspect. I have no personal problem with him or with any other individual to whom I openly identify as a political adversary. “ (emphasis mine)
This is very incorrect. Presently, I am not a reporter, just an op-ed contributor or public commentator. I was not reporting from Edo State. The account referred to is not my account. It is IBB’s account of events as reported in the interview granted to COMPASS Newspaper. It is amazing that Professor Soyinka would falsely attribute this to me to make a case of “irresponsibility” when it was clear that this was quoted as coming from COMPASS in my previous article. However, Professor Soyinka does not have to be defensive about his relationship with IBB, more so they have worked together before. All of us have the right to change our views or opinions about events and personalities.
Thus when Professor Soyinka added, “Babangida does however have a huge problem of political deficit with me, and with the nation, and that is the albatross that constitutes his problem,” he was just addressing the heart of the matter. This is the reason why dalliance with IBB should not be shrouded in a cocoon of secrecy so that others might not misinterpret and have unnecessary suspicions. It is also begging the question that Professor Soyinka would suggest that it was wrong for his choices and actions to be scrutinized by members of the public like Remi Oyeyemi when in fact he is not just a public figure he is also a celebrity adored by many and taken seriously by not just a few.
My highly esteemed Kongi also wrote as follows:
“Did Babangida really say we had tea together? I am learning of this weird claim for the first time. So what should I do? Sue him for defamation? Oyeyemi owes it to his readers to unravel the earth-shaking details of this tea session. Was it with milk? Cream? Sugar? Biscuits on the side?”
Sincerely speaking, I did not expect Professor Soyinka to be unduly ridiculous as he manifested in the above quote. With due respects to the esteemed Professor, the questions in the above quote sound a little languid as far as the issues at stake here are concerned. All Professor Soyinka had to do was to call for a copy of the COMPASS Newspaper interview that I referenced in my article to confirm what Babangida said or did not say. Remi Oyeyemi did not make anything up. The basis of my article was the IBB interview which portrayed the Professor in a less than candid manner. All that was needed was that the revered Professor should clear the air. Babangida has made his own revelation for whatever reasons known to him, it is now up to Professor Soyinka to tell the world any yet unknown aspects of the happenstance that IBB might have mischievously withheld and to sue IBB if he so desires. As to “the earth-shaking details of the tea session,” it is one’s hope that the Professor would not wait until another revealing interview comes out before he scrambles to scribble another tenuous defence of his acts of omissions and or commissions.
Between Remi Oyeyemi and Wole Soyinka, only one person has worked for Babangida in the past and that person is NOT Remi Oyeyemi. Thus for those readers who are quick to conclude that this criticism of Uncle Kongi is as a result of my fondness of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida I am recommending the following past articles by Remi Oyeyemi to them - QUESTIONS IBB MUST ANSWER published on July 12, 2002; A TALE OF TWO TRAITORS published on December 27, 2002 and FALAE’S IBB GAMBIT published on August 25, 2003 all of them on www.nigeriaworld.com. I have been involved in the media either directly or indirectly for about 25 years now. I do not need any publicity stunt. And this is not one either.
Hopefully by now, the highly esteemed Professor would have discovered that I, REMI OYEYEMI, am not “faceless.” This he would have found out if he did a better home work in the media and political circles that he was quick to flagrantly flaunt before rushing his rejoinder for publication. It is hoped the esteemed Professor would cease throwing around words like “home work” until he is able to lead by a personal example and spare the rest of us sanctimonious preachments. Regardless, I still maintain that everyone has the right to drink tea, “something stronger” or whatever with whomever he so chooses and can politically support whoever catches his or her fancy. But there is no reason to be defensive and camouflage actualities from those who expect candour and openness from us. Simplicita.
And this is my final word on this issue.
Kwara 2011 - Battle Line drawn: We’ll meet on the field, Saraki tells son
The Leader of the Senate in the Second Republic, Dr. Olusola Saraki, on Sunday evening formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria with a horde of supporters in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
At the event, Saraki said he would meet his son, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on the field. This development has set the stage for an epic clash between the veteran politician and his son, who is also the governor of the state and leader.
Saraki, who joined the ACPN at a formal ceremony at his Iloffa residence in the Government Reservation Area, Ilorin also said, “The Peoples Democratic Party is officially dead and buried in Kwara State.” At the event, the politician also directed his supporters to discard PDP property in their possession, adding that he was still discussing with other parties.
In his words, “I was the one you voted for in 1999, 2003 and 2007; but since they have decided to treat us like this, we will move to a party that will favour us and not suffer us the way PDP is doing.”
It however appears he is throwing up his daughter to take over the governance of the state from where his son stopped. Saraki said, “When you (his supporters) told me you wanted Bukola in 2003, I told you he was not a politician, but you said it was him you wanted. Now you are saying you want Gbemi (his daughter). When I told him Gbemi would take over from him, he said ‘no problem.’ I called him and asked him, ‘Do you know anybody who is better than Gbemi?’ "
The question I then ask is could it be possible that in a state like Kwara, the most intelligent professionals and politicians are from the immediately family of Olusola Saraki. I dare say No because the politician himself admitted that his son was 'inexperienced'...in his words, the leadership of PDP in the state capitalized on the “inexperience of the state leadership to perpetuate themselves and turn themselves into something else. Those who were not involved in the building of the party have now capitalised on the inexperience of the leadership to perpetuate themselves and to decide the fate of the real people on the state’s political turf.”
So he did not realize his son was inexperienced until after 8 years...Nawa o!
At the event, Saraki said he would meet his son, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on the field. This development has set the stage for an epic clash between the veteran politician and his son, who is also the governor of the state and leader.
Saraki, who joined the ACPN at a formal ceremony at his Iloffa residence in the Government Reservation Area, Ilorin also said, “The Peoples Democratic Party is officially dead and buried in Kwara State.” At the event, the politician also directed his supporters to discard PDP property in their possession, adding that he was still discussing with other parties.
In his words, “I was the one you voted for in 1999, 2003 and 2007; but since they have decided to treat us like this, we will move to a party that will favour us and not suffer us the way PDP is doing.”
It however appears he is throwing up his daughter to take over the governance of the state from where his son stopped. Saraki said, “When you (his supporters) told me you wanted Bukola in 2003, I told you he was not a politician, but you said it was him you wanted. Now you are saying you want Gbemi (his daughter). When I told him Gbemi would take over from him, he said ‘no problem.’ I called him and asked him, ‘Do you know anybody who is better than Gbemi?’ "
The question I then ask is could it be possible that in a state like Kwara, the most intelligent professionals and politicians are from the immediately family of Olusola Saraki. I dare say No because the politician himself admitted that his son was 'inexperienced'...in his words, the leadership of PDP in the state capitalized on the “inexperience of the state leadership to perpetuate themselves and turn themselves into something else. Those who were not involved in the building of the party have now capitalised on the inexperience of the leadership to perpetuate themselves and to decide the fate of the real people on the state’s political turf.”
So he did not realize his son was inexperienced until after 8 years...Nawa o!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Ist Asaba Development Summit
COMMUNIQUE
Ist Asaba Development Summit Organized By Asaba Development Union (ADU)-Youth Wing, Held On 31st December 2010, At Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba.
A careful study and assessment of current state of affairs and recent trend of events within Asaba metropolis has not only given rise to wide speculations, it has equally raised concerns from various quarters on the position of Ahaba youths, with attendant questions like: where are Ahaba youths? Does it mean that there are no creative and progressive youth bodies, Ahaba can boast of?
To this end, the Youth Wing of Asaba Development Union (ADU), thought it wise to organise a Youth- focused development Summit, which created Opportunity for Asaba youth leaders to brainstorm and draft the 1st Youth-focused Asaba Development Agenda.
The summit maintained that a sustainable town-wide development will be one, which has solid foundation on functional public policy formulation, implementation and evaluation; constructive pro-people legislation; public private partnership; good governance practices and pro-poor leadership project execution.
The summit understood and maintained the truism, that the state of the town (politically, economically and socially) is far beyond what can be judge as progressive tendencies, for this reason, the summit commits to using every pro-active, pro-youth, pro-development approach towards reversing the present retrogressive state of the town. Ahaba youths will no longer endure this communal backwardness.
The summit proposed a whole-some community development initiative-ownership and partnership culture with public policy regulators who champion Global, Continental, National and Local Development Initiatives such as: Millienium Development Goals (MDGs), New Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), Vision 20:2020 and the Delta State 3 Point Agenda, for a robust all round sustainable development of the town.
The summit outline a 6-Point Asaba Development Agenda that will be implemented through a 4 years life span (2011-2015) with periodic monitoring and evaluation exercises carried out, the list below outlines the adopted 6- Point Asaba Development Agenda:
i) Youth Re-orientation, Employment and Entrepreneurship Programs.
ii) Education, Health, Agriculture, Sports and Environmental Dev. Initiatives.
iii) Security and Intelligence Networking Scheme.
iv) Good Governance, Elections and Peace- Building
v) Asaba Genocide Memorial Cenotaph/Museum & Tourist sites.
vi) New Permanent Royal Palace and Asaba Civil Center
The summit is convinced of the fact that the challenges and difficulties facing the realization of the above Asaba development agenda are real pressing development factors, in the same vein, the summit was not ignorant of existing potential development opportunities, and looks forward to a progressive partnership with power-brokers, gate-keepers, opinion leaders and policy makers who hold the ace to these opportunities.
The summit recommends that the major drivers of the 6-Point Asaba Development Agenda will be the leadership of Asaba Youth Age-Grades, Asaba Youth Organizations, Community-Based Organizations, Religions and Social Groups, Political bodies, Asaba Scholastical and Graduate groups, with the leadership of Asaba-based women group (Umu-Ada and Ikpoho Ogbe) playing supervisory and advisory roles, as well as the community elders (Out-Ihaza, Ichie-okwa, etc) with their watchful tentacles, they will execute wise judgment and extend reward/punishment as the case may be.
The summit agreed that all youth leaders/ actors who will be involved in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the 6-Point Asaba Development Agenda, must first be identified by the leadership of the A.D.U youth wing and have them declare in writing their interest and preparedness to work under the watchful supervision of the youth wing leadership, with all required humility and commitment the task presents.
These youth leaders/actors will then undergo capacity building workshops to expose them to the challenges ahead of them. No youth will be part of these development agenda without passing through the training process. The summit holds that both public and private sector will be approached for partnership.
The summit approved the first level of community-based partnership to include: Asagba in Council; Olinzele Chiefs; Otu-Ihaza; Ochokoloma, Okwulagwe age-grades; Out-Omu; Umu-Ada; Ikpoho-Ogbe, Asaba-based social clubs. The second level of community-based partnership will include the Local Government Council; the State Government; Corporate Organizations; Media Organizations, Civil Society Groups and International Agencies.
The summit mandates the A.D.U-Youth Wing Leadership to embark on progressive partnership program with both the public & private sectors and to seek creative means to raise independent-funds for the sake of the 6-point agenda, and secure partnership and funding from international Organizations, embassies, Ahaba Sons and daughters, their friends/ associates who desire the town’s development.
The summit suggest that the National Youth leadership should be empowered, to tour other cities where Ahaba youths reside for sensitizing them on the 6-point agenda and seeking opportunity to set their mind back to ADU for better communal fellowship & love.
The summit recommends that No Ahaba Youth with active or passive cult involvement will be permitted to participate in the leadership of the Youth Wing. The youth wing must demonstrate zero-tolerance towards cult membership and activitics. Asaba must come forward cleaner.
Mokolo Vincent …….Summit Communiqué Drafting Committee Leader
Chukwurah Ubaka Henry…Summit
Comrade Okonta Emeka Okelum…ADU-Youth Wing, National President +2347063557099
The best time to partner with the civil society is now…….Prince Sam Obi
The acting Governor of Delta State
Prince Obi urged the eagle Chaplain Corps to execute seriously its major objective of checking the cankerworm and decay ravaging secondary schools in the state so that there will be discipline in all post primary institutions.
Asserting that no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of chaos he charged non-Governmental organizations to intervene in crisis ridden communities so that they will embrace dialogue and peace.
The acting Governor said he was excited over the spiritual role Eagle Chaplain Corps promised to play in the State and stressed the importance of prayers in the economic wellbeing of the people.
Emphasizing further, Prince Obi said “prayers are important. I am a pastor and I believe in the powers of prayers, pursue this noble objective vigorously to lift the State higher”
He said prayers were instruments of intervention and praised the Commandant General of the Corps Mr. Sylvester Obi for the initiative.
In his speech, the Chaplain Commandant General Mr. Sylvester Obi said the Corps has the desire to stamp out indiscipline in Post Primary Institutions in the State.
Mr. Obi said Eagle Chaplain Corps have the training to reduce the abnormality in schools as well as preach the word of God to build up student’s moral values.
He also promised that the Chaplain Corps will visit hospitals and pray for the sick explaining that most sickness have spiritual backing.
The Commandant explained that the Chaplain Corps will act as faith councilor to patients with terminal deceases.
NEWS REPORT PERTAINING TO DELTA STATE GOVERNORSHIP RE-RUN ON JANUARY 6, 2011 PORTENDS DANGER FOR US ALL
Information reaching us from media and individual sources suggest that some unscrupulous INEC and PDP officials are again, greasing their diabolical machinery aimed at defrauding the good people of Anioma of their chance of having a duly elected governor in the forth coming Governorship election re-run.
Please click on link below to read relevant news story.
We fear that a repeat of the unconstitutional process that led to the occupation of the state House at Asaba for three years by an unelected Governor is about to be repeated.
The implications of having a leadership foisted on our people this time around are too dire even to contemplate. A leader who emerges against the popular will of the people is bound to bring about disunity, squabbles and would spend the state’s resources buying support to the neglect of the genuine needs of our people which include infrastructural development, health and social care and job opportunities for our teeming unemployed young graduates and school leavers.
We wish to state for the record, that based on the preceding, we, in Umu Anioma Foundation have taken necessary steps to pre-empt any action that might steal the votes of our people by conducting a poll aimed at finding out the wishes of the people of Delta North Senatorial District as it pertains to the Governorship election re-run slated for the 6th of January, 2011
We conducted online polls using the UmuAnioma Yahoo group’s poll feature as well survey/poll on SurveyMonkey.com and both results are consistent with the in-person polls we conducted with our family and friends in the grassroots.
The result as collated on SurveyMonkey.com is shown below for your review. Needless to say, the data speaks for itself.
Therefore, any Abracadabra by INEC and unscrupulous “agents of darkness” Anioma indigenes to rob the people of their God given innate right to choose their own leaders will portend dangers for us; the perpetrators; our children; and their own children too.
We are appalled that till date, INEC has not produced a credible voter’s register nor made any effort to register voters since the annulment of the 2007 election.
If any result posted for Delta North Senatorial District is anything different from Anioma people’s will as shown in the poll below, then the likelihood exists that there may NEVER be any more elections in Delta North; Delta State; and indeed in Nigeria. We are however hopeful that Prof. Attahiru Jega would take appropriate steps at this juncture to ensure that our good people of Anioma land are not disenfranchised and the impending danger to us all is avoided.
As a responsible Organization whose sole aim is to promote the general welfare of Anioma people worldwide, we will not sit aside and allow the bad eggs amongst us to sell all our futures for a pot of porridge or allow outsiders for that matter to decide for us who our leaders ought to be.
Please be assured that we are willing to do whatever is absolutely necessary to ensure that NEVER again will our people’s will be thwarted by agents of darkness. We are committed to resisting any attempts to disenfranchise us again by ANY means necessary.
In addition, we are offering a handsome reward for anyone with credible information and evidence to show rigging and manipulation of any kind during the upcoming Delta State Governorship Re-run on January 6, 2011.
Please contact us by sending an e-mail to: info@UmuAnioma.com or by calling +1-770-979-0383
You can remain anonymous and any information that we obtain from you will be given to the appropriate authorities.
For avoidance of any doubt posted below is the result of the poll conducted for the upcoming Delta State Re -run.
About Umu Anioma Foundation:
Umu Anioma Foundation Inc. is a non-profit Organization governed by a board of directors. Umu Anioma Foundation Inc. was incorporated under Georgia
Ofu Obi Bu Ike Anyi!
Lauretta Onochie
Publicity Secretary
Prince Emmanuel O. Ohai
Convener and Chairman, Umu Anioma Foundation
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