www.osundefender.org Saturday, March 21, 2015 With the last dying gasp of the old order, a new society is been midwifed. The presidential election on the 28th of this month will be pivotal alright but what else does it portend? In a way, it m a k e s u s t o re c a l l a famous quip by the legendary manager of Liverpool Football Club
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VOL. 10. NO.024
Buhari,Tinubu And The New National Majority Bill Shankly. Pressed as to the real essence of football, Shankly memorably stated,” football is not a matter of life and death, actually, it’s much more important than that”. Paraphrasing
Shankly, this is not just an electoral cycle and its not just another election, actually it’s much more important than that. The highly respected Awujale of Ijebuland alluded to this recently. Out of presumably exasperation,
he was to state that in over a fifty-year electoral cycle, he had never seen an election of this intensity. The Awujale was being characteristically polite. In this election, the agents and privees of the outgoing regime have
thrown the kitchen sink not just at Muhammadu Buhari but also at the social cohesion of the Nigerian state. Religion, ethnic divide, everything has been used to contrive a divide based on destroying the
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social solidarity of the Nigerian state. The intensity says it all, that there is more than an election at play. In essence and there are echoes of 1993 here. What is in construction here is a new national majority. A victory for the All Progressives Continued on page 6
I Want To Serve, Not Dictate – Buhari - Pg 7
Yoruba Leaders Warn Against Further Election Postponement
No More Postponement Of Polls – Jega- Pg 5
- See Story On Page 3
Fani-Kayode Is Inconsistent, A Liar - Tinubu - Pg 5 APC: Jonathan Can’t Be - Pg 3 Summoning Jega At Will
•INSET: South-West Coordinator, Buhari/Osinbajo Presidential Campaign, State of Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola; (2nd right), Convener, Yoruba National Assembly, General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), (left); Oyo State governor, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, (2nd left) and Ambassador Olusola Sanu, during the Yoruba Assembly Forum at the Parliament Building, State Secretariat, lbadan, Oyo State, on Thursday.
We’ve Done Everything To Protect Voter Card Botched Abuja Peace Accord: Jonathan Has - Pg 5 Readers From Hacking, Jamming – INEC - Pg 4 Lost Control - Osun APC Says
osun Defender Saturday, March 21, 2015
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osun Defender Saturday, March
Yoruba Leaders Warn Against Further Election Postponement
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By kazeem mohammed
tions scheduled to commence on Saturday, March 28, 2015 must not be postponed or jeopardised, as we will not countenance any form of unelected government, be it Government of National Unity, Interim National Government or howsoever described. “We are alarmed at the near virtual absence of reliable and critical infrastructure of electricity, energy, and transportation which has led to the collapse of economic activities in Yorubaland. “We are worried that in the absence of proactive, concerted, and visionary leadership in Nigeria, insecurity has festered to the level of national emergency. “We affirm that the resolutions of the National Conference failed to resolve fundamental issues that are prerequisite to
a sustainable federalism and without which the few useful recommendations would become meaningless”, the assembly stressed. It also frowned at those it called misguided elements in Yorubaland who have resorted to brazen violence, noting that the acceptable methodology of socio-political interactions in Yorubaland is that of robust discourse, rather than violent tactics and brigandage in the name of politics. Charging its people to pursue their destiny in line with their development priorities and ambitions, it said, the creation of a structural environment for effective devolution of powers to the country’s constituent units as a strategic development was imperative.
“We demand the dismantling of all pseudo-security agencies that impede peace, harass and terrorise our people in order to enforce pre-determined agenda that are not consistent with the wishes of Yoruba people. “That the effectiveness of the Federal Government of Nigeria lies on focusing on the critical issues of governance that are common to all components, like defence, national security, foreign affairs, currency and exchange rate, etc, while all other socio-economic responsibilities, especially that of resource control, devolve to the federating units. “The facilitation of a fully diversified economy, moving away from the existing mono-product scenario to one in which the federating units can
he Yoruba Peoples Assembly has warned against fur ther postpnement of the 2015 general elections, saying it would not accept any form of unelected government, be it Government of National Unity, Interim National Government or howsoever described. The Assembly which comThe communique read: prises of current and past gov- “While some of us continue ernors of Yoruba states, tradi- to relish the past and insist that tional rulers, officers of various our leadership position is not civic and professional agencies threatened, the more discerning and Yoruba people at home and among us realize that failure to in the disapora gave the warn- correctly appraise the situation ing at a Pan-Yoruba Summit in could only be calamitous to the Ibadan on Thursday. destiny of the Yoruba people. In a communique signed by The truth of the matter is that the Convener of the summit, the lives and destiny of 50 General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), million souls cannot and should the Assembly calls on Yoruba not be trampled upon by repropeople to vote for leaders who bates, renegades, revisionists have the interests of the Yoruba and impostors. “Yoruba people states cateat heart, in order to bring an end to its unacceptable state of gorically that the General Elecaffairs, noting that for the past 16 years, Yoruba people have suffered marginalisation within Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Hon Wale Oshun, Pa. Ayo Fasanmi, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Nigerian state. It also affirmed that the resGovernor Abiola Ajimobi, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, olutions of the 2014 National Conference has failed to resolve Dr Kayode Fayemi, Senator Tony Adefuuye fundamental issues that are preAmbassador Olu Sanu, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chief Moses Adeyemo, Oyo State requisite to a sustainable federalism and without which the Deputy Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Bishop Felix Ajakaye, Chief Olajumoke few useful recommendations Ogunkeyede, Chief Kola Daisi, Chief Bayo Oyero, Chief Tokunbo Ajasm, Princess would become meaningless. It also noted that there are Bisi Sangodoyin, Prof. Adebayo Williams, Professor Wale Omole, Gen. Samuel calculated attempts to invade Ogbemudia, Chief Taye Ayorinde, Professor Babalola Borisade, Chief (Mrs.) Rita and subjugate Yorubaland through covert, disguised and Lori-Ogbebor, Hon. Bola Dori, Chief Bayo Akande, Senator Bayo Salami, Chief even official policies of the Tola Adeniyi, Mr. Dele Alake, Oyo state Deputy Governor, Moses Alake-Adeyemo; Central Government, saying this was seen in gubernatorial Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN); Senator Olabiyi elections in Ekiti and the State Durojaye, Senator Sola Adeyeye and Senator Babafemi Ojudu Prof. Akin Oyebode; of Osun where fake and hooded combat-ready militants were National President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero; deployed under the cover of official security operatives Director General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, including the DSS, police, and Mr Dipo Famakinwa; Industrialist, Chief Kola Daisi and Former Ekiti State the Nigerian Army. It cautioned those, he deGovemmor Niyi Adebayo. There were representatives of Yoruba speaking people scribed, as “the contemporary from Kwara, Kogi and Delta States in attendance. The traditional rulers include self-proclaimed spokesmen” of the Yoruba people to cease the Olubadan of Ibadanland represented by Chief Eddy Oyewole, the Akarigbo and desist from what, he called, of Remoland Oba Michael Sonariwo, Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Ganiyu Salawu, Oba “sanctimonious and opportunistic crusade”, rather than speakSamuel Ajegbotola, Soun of Ogbomoso represented by Chief Samuel Otolorin. ing on behalf of Yoruba people for their personal interests.
Roll Call
APC: Jonathan Can’t Be Summoning Jega At Will
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By Damilola Oyekunle
he All Progressives Congress (APC) believes President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to summon Attahiru Jega, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to a meeting at the Presidential Villa, was part of ongoing moves to compromise the integrity of the electoral commission. On Tuesday, Jonathan must stop forthwith. “Had the representatives summoned Jega to a meeting with the security chiefs at of other political parties apart the Villa, but the chairman from the PDP (the president is emerged from the meeting the leader of the PDP) attended keeping sealed lips on the the meeting, the widespread speculations that Jega’s life issues discussed. In a statement issued in and job were threatened if he Abuja on Wednesday by fails to drop the use of the card Alhaji Lai Mohammed, its readers, as well as circulating spokesman, the party argued reports that he will be removed that it was wrong for the before Saturday, would not President, who himself is a have happened.” APC added that whatever candidate in the forthcoming election, to be summoning briefings that must be given t h e e l e c t o r a l u m p i r e a t by the INEC chairman on will, especially when such the elections must have in meetings are populated by his attendance the representatives of all the political parties appointees. “Without the representatives participating in the elections. The party further alleged of other political parties attending such meetings, that clandestine meetings irrespective of whether or not it between some key presidency was aimed at briefing security and INEC officials were taking chiefs on the preparations for place with a view to rigging the polls, the ruling Peoples the elections, and warned Democratic Party (PDP) and the presidency to steer clear its presidential candidate of the electoral officials, if are seeking to gain undue indeed it is desirous of free, advantage over others ahead fair, credible and peaceful elections. of the elections,” it alleged. In a related development, “It is like the referee in a football match meeting with APC said that “the presidency key officials of one of the and the PDP must not be teams ahead of the match. allowed to profit from their This is against the spirit of sponsorship of ethnic militias, transparency and fairness and including MASSOB and OPC,
to create chaos and violence before, during and after the elections”. The party stated: “The plot by the duo is to make the country so unsafe before the polls that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who are supposed to serve as electoral officials, will simply say they can no longer participate in the elections because they fear for their lives.” “This will simply truncate the elections and trigger a constitutional crisis; the exact
scenario being plotted by the Jonathan administration and the PDP to allow them to either perpetuate themselves in office or install an interim government,” it alleged. “Another booby trap on the path of holding the elections as rescheduled are the pending court cases against the use of the card reader by INEC. “Nigerians should note that nothing is yet guaranteed as far as the holding of the rescheduled elections is concerned. The Jonathan administration and the PDP
are still shopping for a court judgment to declare the use of the card reader unconstitutional, just because they are now painfully aware that Nigerians have rejected them and their party. “We are therefore calling on all our compatriots to be more vigilant in the next few days to the elections. We are also alerting local and foreign observers, and the international community, to the ongoing shenanigans by the Jonathan administration and the PDP to scuttle the polls.”
Residents Charged To Be Security-conscious
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By Damilola Oyekunle
esidents of the communities under the jurisdiction of the Ataoja Divisional Police Station, Osogbo, have been enjoined to be extra vigilant, with a view to assisting the police in ensuring security of lives and properties in the area. wasMr made by the Divisional Police of The the charge station, Guadem the efforts of theOfficer police,(DPO) just as Ledum, a Superintendent of he cautioned that such vigilance Police at the monthly meeting groups should operate within of the Police Community their limitations by handling Relations Committee (PCRC) any arrested suspect over to the held at the station recently. police, rather than embarking Ledum, who was represented on jungle justice. by the District Criminal Officer The police chief then (DCO), Mr Usman Ibrahim, encouraged the PCRC members urged residents to ensure to provide information to the that their places are properly police which, he said, would secured during the day and be treated as confidential. night. Charging the people of He recommended the use the communities to quickly of vigilance groups by the contact the police authority communities to complement whenever there is an urgent
need, he said, this would make the security operatives to swing to action in a short time. The DPO also urged the people of the area not to allow their children to be used as thugs during the forthcoming election, saying any political thug arrested during the election would be dealt with according to the laws of the land. The PCRC Chairman, High Chief Gbadebo Adeyemo (JP), expressed satisfaction that the coexistence between the security operatives and the residents of the area has reduced the level of crime. He then urged members and the police authority not to relent in their efforts aimed at further reducing crime rate in the area to its barest minimum.
leverage on their endowment and productive resources”, it demanded. It however, emphasised that the Yoruba people would not hesitate to take destiny in their hands in the event of any attempt to compromise their democratic existence. At the event are prominent Yoruba sons and daughters from the six states in the SouthWest geo-political zone with Delta and Kwara states. Among the dignitaries is the host governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; his counterpart from Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Also in attendance are some of the former governors from the zone like ex-Ekiti State former governors, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Chief Niyi Adebayo; former State of Osun governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. In his own address, State of Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said any Yoruba man who carries a gun to kill his fellow Yoruba is a bastard, because the Yoruba people signed an agreement on September 23, 1896 not to fight each other anymore. His words: “We should counsel our youth against violence and we should tell our leaders who are collecting money from desperate politicians to have rethink because whatever bribe offered them will be exhausted one day. “I don’t know why any reasonable Yoruba leader will ask us to vote for an inept and incompetent government that has failed to rescue over 200 girls that were abducted almost a year ago.” Governor Ajimobi in his own address regretted that the Jonathan administration had relegated Yoruba to the background. He said, of the first 50 positions in the country, Yoruba occupy only two. The Oyo governor said now is the time for us to vote in a government that will protect our interest. The APC vice presidential candidate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, thanked the Yoruba and Nigerians for enduring bad government in the past 16 years. According to him; “Those in government also know that all is not well with the country and the people they govern.” Afenifere deputy leader, Senator Ayo Fasnmi, advised Nigerias, particularly the Yoruba, to reject money being offered by the PDP to entice them to vote for the party, wondering why a government whose tenure would terminate in two months was still appointing ministers. Dr Fayemi in his own contribution enjoined the Yoruba not to turn themselves into slaves or beggars in the name of survival adding that: “The Yoruba are the leading light of the country; we should not relegate ourselves to renegades”. Prince Oyinlola advised the Yoruba to always be their brothers’ keepers, saying: “Our problem is rooted in political differences. We should not allow politics to divide us”. Leader of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Hon Wale Oshun, said the Yoruba had always been in forefront of the struggle for true federalism and devolution of power. Senator Tony Adefuye, the secretary – General of Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) said, the Yoruba leaders promoting Jonathan are not protecting the interest of the Yoruba.
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osun Defender Saturday, March 21, 2015
We’ve Done Everything To Protect Voter Card Readers From Hacking, Jamming – INEC By adelani rebecca
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and test we have done, no ballot boxes. he Independent National Electoral into voting points. card reader has failed. “Because we are doing Commission (INEC) has stated that it has “We have procured “In addition, we already three elections on March done everything to protect its card readers 182,000 card readers, of have extra battery in case 28 and then two sets on from being hacked or jammed on election day. all of these, we have only there is a problem with April 11, we are using Mr Chidi Nwafor, the adequate measures to about 400 that were `dead the charge of batteries or three ballot boxes and two Director of Information ensure that the card on arrival’ due to factory- lack of functionality of ballot boxes for March 28 a n d C o m m u n i c a t i o n readers do not fail, stating related faults. the battery.” and April 11 respectively. Te c h n o l o g y ( I C T ) , that in the mock-test “They have been Jega added that because “We have done colourINEC, stated this at a conducted, no card reader b r o u g h t a n d t h e y the country would be coding just to make it Situation Room Dialogue failed. cannot boot, so we are holding three elections easier to avoid mistake in with INEC officials on “ We h a v e a b o u t comfortable about the in one day, it had to adopt placing the ballot papers Wednesday in Abuja. 150,000 voting points, integrity of the card measures to ensure that in the appropriate ballot T h e d i a l o g u e w a s because we broke some readers itself and in all the ballot papers were boxes,” he added. organised by the Nigeria of the large polling units the public demonstrations properly placed in correct He said the commission Civil Society Situation Room, with support from the British Department for International He urged Nigerians to buy the conscience of By kazeem Mohammed Development (DFID). ensure that they vote for the people, especially in Nwafor said the he All Progressives Congress (APC) vice change to end corruption, Yorubaland. meeting became According to him, the presidential candidate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, which, he said, has been necessary, following has said that President Goodluck Jonathan-led the bane of the nation’s economy of the country insinuations by some government has continued to demonstrate that it has development. has been bastardised by the people that there were failed Nigerian people. T h e S p e a k e r o f t h e PDP-led government due to plans to jam or hack its State House of Assembly, corruption, unemployment He said the enticement that the young men who server or card readers. H o n o u r a b l e N a j e e m and insecurity. “I want to assure of the people with “dollars” are joining the rank of Salaam, said no amount He said Nigerians have you that we have done could not save him, as Boko Haram everyday are of money distributed by decided to make the desired everything possible in the people have realised rehabilitated so that they President Jonathan could change through their votes terms of security issues; that they should not have don’t join them,” he said. in terms of when it was entrusted power into his being designed, we have hands. Osinbajo spoke in Ejigbo, considered a lot of things. stressed. By kazeem Mohammed “In any technology, his maternal home in the Noting that the board he Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) would continue to ensure we bring out issues as State of Osun, during a visit has scored the government of the State of Osun high a t t a i n m e n t o f b a s i c an engineer, but you to the town on Tuesday, over its commitment to basic education. education for its citizenry, must also know that where he was given a Awofisayo said the state The Executive Secretary this development. this equipment you are rousing welcome, saying the APC government would of the commission, Alhaji “ Wi t h t h e o b v i o u s was prepared to partner bringing is for electoral deal with the issues of Dikko Suleiman, made the t r a n s f o r m a t i o n a n d the National Mathematical process. at the launching r e s t r u c t u r i n g o f t h e Center for effective teaching “Therefore, for you to poverty, unemployment, assement of the O’SUBEB News education sector in the state, and learning tools of the insecurity among others. make a design, you must subject in the schools. One of the ways to deal Magazine, a publication of adequate documentation and also look at full electoral The deputy governor, the Osun State Universal publication of government with the issues of poverty, process of voting. Education Board (SUBEB) achievements must be done, Otunba (Mrs) Titilayo “Where are the ways according to him, “is to use in Osogbo on Tuesday. hence, this publication,” he Laoye-Tomori, said despite Dikko, who was this thing can be hacked? what is called conditional Where are the ways this cash transfer, which is a represented by the UBEC equipment can be used in s c h e m e b y w h i c h w e Director of Administration, a negative way? All these intend to pay every 25 Baba Sali Song, said the million poorest Nigerians, O s u n S c h o o l F e e d i n g we have considered.” Programme (O’MEAL), Nwafor added that the especially women between Opon Imo scheme and other commission’s Permanent N5000 and N7000 every programmes on education Voter Cards (PVCs) and month if their children are has made the state studentfriendly. card readers would help enrolled in school. “The reason for this is “We have realised that to eliminate election frauds in the forthcoming that it is one of the fastest Osun is a student-friendly ways of getting the poorest state. Osun and Kano states general elections. are the only two states that He identified some out of poverty. are feeding their pupils very “The second way is of the election fraud in well in Nigeria despite the to deal with joblessness, the country to include limited resources that you buying of votes, voter which has become an have. “Osun SUBEB impersonation, ballot emergency. Eighty per cent stuffing, mis-recording of graduates have no jobs h a s i n t r o d u c e d m a n y of votes and multiple- and one of the critical ways, innovations, especialy in as an emergency measure, the basic education that voting. state SUBEBs should “ M u l t i p l e v o t i n g is that we will have 20,000 other emulate. f e d e r a l l y b a c k e d j o b should be a thing of the “The principle of past and the card reader creation scheme in each education for all has been would ensure one man: state among many other heartily demonstrated by ways,” he said. Osun SUBEB and this has one vote,” he said. On Boko Haram, he improved the quality of He, however, added that curbing election said, one of the reasons education at the basic level,” fraud was not just the it has gone rampant was he said. The SUBEB Chairman, duty of INEC but all because the government Prince Felix Awofisayo, of President Jonathan has stakeholders. said the publication being decided to politicise it and Also speaking, INEC lunched was in tandem Chairman, Professor refused to equip the security with the state government’s agencies, despite spending Attahiru Jega, expressed o p e n d o o r p o l i c y, good governance, and t h e c o m m i s s i o n ’ s N4.3trillion on security. “We will ensure that accountability, especially confidence in its card readers, adding that it w e d o n o t p o l i t i c i s e on education. According to him: had procured adequate Boko Haram and General “Following the global trend Muhammadu Buhari will functional card readers in science and mathematics, be a Commander-in-Chief, needed for the conduct of who will lead from the we are in a period of rapid the elections. innovation that is yielding Jega said that the front. positive changes and Osun “We will also ensure equally places emphasis on •Photo of the day. Source: Facebook. commission had taken
had agreed to open each of the ballot boxes and sort out wrongly placed ballot papers after election in the presence of all agents and observers before counting. According to him, the commission would continue with its sensitisation programme on the need for people to place their cast votes in the appropriate boxes.
Jonathan’s Govt Has Failed Nigerians - Osinbajo T
on March 28 and April 11 and nothing can change it. The Ogiyan of Ejigboland, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin, urged Nigerians to vote wisely for change for the betterment of the country. He charged Osinbajo to always remember his maternal home and assist in
UBEC Scores Osun SUBEB High
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limited resources, the state has continued to blaze the trail, which has changed the education landscape of the state. She noted that the O’SUBEB magazine would fill the gap of misrepresentation of the state government policies and programmes that have created controversies among stakeholders.
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Osun Defender Saturday, March 21,
Botched Abuja Peace Accord: Jonathan Has Lost Control - Osun APC Says
By kemi akinpelu he All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it appears the “Peace Accord” signed by President Goodluck Jonathan Mohammadu Buhari and others in Abuja some weeks ago is dead. According to the APC, to ensure a peaceful election. “if the serial violence The party is however orchestrated by the PDP laying the blame squarely on from the East to the North the PDP, whose supporters Central and the South West a n d t h u g s h a v e b e e n were dependable indicators, allegedly involved in a series then that accord is virtually of violent actions in Osun, valueless and of little Enugu, Ilorin and Lagos consequence to the peace within the last seven days The party’s spokesperson process being canvassed by international and local in the State of Osun, Barrister peacemakers who are trying Kunle Oyatomi, who made
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these observations in a press statement in Osogbo said: “It would appear that President Goodluck Jonathan has completely lost control. “In the alternative,” the APC Director of Publicity in Osun said, “if Mr. President were still in control, then he stands accused of virtually tearing up that Abuja Peace Accord with the violence of MOSOP, PDP thugs and the OPC across the country. “Nothing worthy of consideration is left in that accord,” the APC said, “especially when the police
can stand by and watch as PDP supporters, armed like terrorists, walked the streets of Lagos brazenly in support of Jonathan and the PDP.” According to the APC, “a President committed to peaceful engagement would not encourage his supporters to bear combatant arms on the streets of Lagos in public support of the PDP. “Besides, he would not tolerate the PDP vandalism against the wives of the presidential candidate of the APC in Ilorin, while his own wife, Patience, now notorious
for her hate speeches against Mohammadu Buhari, gallivants across Nigeria, insulting the APC presidential candidate,” the party’s spokesman said. “Our party, (the APC), condemns this resort to violence less than 11 days to election,” describing it as an “act of terrorism, which all peace-lovers worldwide must bring pressure to bear on PDP to stop,” the APC said, adding that, “but for the restraint exercised by the APC and its supporters would have been worse.”
•All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (5th right); his running mate, Dr Oluranti Adebule (6th left); the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Chief Zacheus Olusoga (6th right) and other traditional chiefs during a courtesy visit last Tuesday.
No More Postponement Of Polls – Jega By Francis EZEDIUNO he Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega, has ruled out any further postponement of the rescheduled general elections slated for March 28 and April 11. The INEC Chairman stated that there is a desire for this during an interactive another postponement of session with the Civil Society this election. “So, we are all focused on Situation Room, a coalition of over 60 civil society March 28 and April 11. “Soon after we announced organisations, in Abuja. Jega declared that the the rescheduling of the co m mission was fully elections, the commission met and decided on how prepared for the exercise. He disclosed that 11 states best to utilise this period of have so far achieved over 90 extension for six weeks. “We decided that the first per cent Permanent Voter thing to do was to do a field Cards collection. The commission, he assessment.” Jega concretely assured stated, had put to good use the six weeks extension of Nigerians that if card readers are stolen in any polling unit, the polls. According to him: “We that makes the results from are now adequately prepared that unit null and void. His words,:”If people for the elections, which have been rescheduled to March snatch card readers, it is sufficient grounds to cancel 28 and April 11. “And I want to say elections in those places.” Jega revealed that in the that I have not seen any indication from anywhere mock election conducted 12 states of the public Notice across federation, “no card reader This is to inform has failed”. While commenting on the members of the public that bello bosede liberated towns recaptured mo r i a mo i s t h e from Boko Haram vis-a-vis same person as bello the possibility of conducting maryam bosede. elections in those places, the All former documents INEC Chairman said: “We remain valid. General have received assurances public should take note. from the security agencies that they are doing everything that is possible to provide security.
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“We are pleased with the reports that there has been remarkable improvement of security in the areas ravaged by insurgency and we understand that there are only three local government council areas in Borno State that have not been totally cleared of the insurgency. “But we also know that the insurgents are very desperate and a lot of bombings and using of incendiary devices have been happening even though in isolated places. “And we are working very closely with security agencies to ensure that measures are in
place to check this and ensure that they do not disrupt the electoral process.” On the issue of Internally Displaced Persons voting during the polls, Jega said arrangements are in place to ensure that. He said: “We have plans to arrange voting for IDPs. The plans are still on the ground. “We have said that in areas where people have moved back and it is confirmed that it is safe, then it is better for us to go back to the polling units there and organise the elections. “And we have tasked
our Resident Electoral Commissioners to make that assessment now. “But we know that in many cases, IDPs are not going back. “So, if there are still people in IDP camps and are not going back, we will do the elections as we have planned in the designated places for the IDPs.”
The APC stressed that what is being witnessed is a calculated strategy of the PDP, aimed at preventing the election from holding. “We are likely to see an escalation in the days ahead,” the party predicted warning that “the backlash to such escalation might devastate PDP more than anyone else, and create more problems for Mr. President..” In particular, the APC expressed disgust at the armed pro-Jonathan and PDP supporters, who confidently exhibited and carried arms while demonstrating in favour of Jonathan in Lagos, describing it as “worse than a repudiation of the peace accord; it was a veritable declaration of war on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the democratic process,” the APC said. “What made this sinister act even more despicable was the open complacency with which the police provided protection for the protesters, which constituted an open endorsement of violence by that institution, which was created to prevent it. “Our descent into anarchy is becoming apparent,” the APC said, adding that it will require exceeding restraint from the opposition parties and fellow Nigerians to contain this PDP provocation,” the APC contended. The party therefore, called on all Nigerians to brace up for the challenges that the PDP resort to violence will bring about “because that party seems irredeemably committed to forcefully staying on in power regardless of the consequences. “Nigerians,” the APC called, “should never allow this to happen. We must persevere till March 28 and April 11 on the days that God has provided for us to use the power of our votes to remove these kleptocrats of the PDP from office,” the APC declared.
Fani-Kayode Is Inconsistent, A Liar - Tinubu
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By shina abubakar
he National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has accused the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organization (PDPPCO), Femi Fani-Kayode, of inconsistency and deceit. Tinubu also alleged Kayode has tried to deflect that Fani-Kayode left the public attention away APC following his failure from the tricks and tactics to realise his unstated the government is set to ambition. deploy in order to oppress Tinubu, in a statement and intimidate key APC by his media aide, Sunday figures during these final Dare, further claimed that days before the March 28 Fani-Kayode said certain election. things to the leaders of “He claims the the APC about Jonathan, g o v e r n m e n t i s n o t w h i c h w o u l d n o t b e misusing the vehicles of disclosed. state power to oppress the The statement said: “In opposition. He then quotes his latest assault, Fani- Biblical verses to further
claim that APC leaders are wicked. “FFK should proceed carefully with the use to which he puts his tongue. Not every word a person speaks is a lark that evaporates the moment after its expression.” The statement urged FFK to be careful for he does not mock man, he mocks a higher power and should be wary of his excesses in this regard. It adds: “Those of us in the APC know him for what he is. It was roughly a year ago that FFK tried to join the APC. In attempting to ingratiate himself, he spewed endless venom against his current boss.
“Because we knew him, we held him at arm’s length. The man is willing to say anything for a taste of power and to wiggle his way into some office or another. When he saw the door closed to him, he predictably bolted. “His exit remains our gain. History will mark it as a key point in the development of the APC. “If you doubt what I say, review carefully FFK’s statement on why he returned to the PDP. It is an epistle of deceit. Examine its allegations.”
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osun Defender Saturday, March
Buhari,Tinubu And The New National Majority
Contiuned from page 1
Congress (APC) will, in effect, set a new template different in large measures from what we have seen since the ‘restoration` of democracy in 1999. It is understandable that the old post-1999 order has run its course. This is not surprising. For in spite of record earnings from crude oil sales, the much anticipated ‘dividends of democracy’ has turned out to be a mirage. In many ways the new national majority being put into play is actually a way of slaying the beast of the often cited ‘Nigeria Paradox’. The conventional wisdom defines this paradox as the puzzling inability to translate record oil earnings into, at least, a marginal increase in living standards. On the part of the Nigerian people, expectations have been quite minimal. This is why the disappointment has been so very, painfully pronounced. Kudos have to be given to those who have, against the odds, put together what is transmitting from a conventional ‘opposition’ to a government-inwaiting. It is quite an achievement as well as a saving grace for our somewhat fragile democracy. The alternative to this would have been a response at variance with democracy. In a multi- ethnic, multireligious society, this sort of reaction would have been disastrous. Those who provided an alternative deserve all the kudos. For the valiant efforts of Buhari, Tinubu, Okorocha, Amaechi, Atiku and co, two choices now face the Republic. It is either we continue on the path of under-achievement and disappointed expectations
or we change course. Changing course means a decisive and irreversible break with a dismal past. There is no middle path. The shift also comes at a time of declining oil income. For this reason, a new national majority will be required to unite the progressive, national and democratic forces and tendencies behind a banner of national reconstruction and re- generation in order to save the Republic. This is imperative because the economic outlook is unfavourable. The outgoing PDP has not only mounted the most divisive election in Nigeria’s political history, it is also at the tail end carrying out a scourged earth policy. In the process, we have gone from wholesale to retail looting. The outlook is dire! Facing the future means the construction of a new unifying national ethos to effect the re-adjustment that must be done. Capital has to be redirected from consumption into production. Luckily, or is it providentially, we have in GMB the man with the fiscal rectitude to do so. GMB terrifies the outgoing ancient administration precisely because of this. The days of financial lawlessness will be put behind us. Frankly, in our present situation, there is no other alternative. A new national majority will also ensure that the country develops a real market-propelled economy. On the contrary, what the out-going administration promotes is croynism. This sort of system was denounced by the great Afrobeat exponent, the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti as ‘paddy, paddy’ government. The system has worked hand in glove with corruption
Cartoon
to stifle the nation’s economy. By promoting sweetheart deals and preferential treatment to a favoured few in the corridors of power, costs have been skewed against the consumer and competition stifled. Anticipated new pro-competition and anti-trust laws and a strong regulatory body will soon put an end to this debilitation. For example, no competition authority no matter how incompetent, can conceivably tolerate the corruption-induced use of import duty waivers. Since these waivers have been depriving the country of tax revenues and stifling competition, this will be a real gain. The dying gasp of the old order is predictably vicious. It has to be for it signals the end of unearned privileges fuelled by a sense of entitlement. This has denied the majority of their economic rights and led to increasing mass poverty. A new opportunity for national rebirth beckons it presents an opportunity to build through what is in essence an historic compromise a new society. We should seize this opportunity with both hands and not once again snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
OSUN DEFENDER
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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the above mail address. ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com
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News
osun Defender Saturday, March 21,
I Want To Serve, Not Dictate – Buhari
G
eneral Muhammadu Buhari, Presidential the Nigeria military that I “If we know the sacredness sentiments aside and rise Candidate of the All Progressives Congress know and can speak of, it was of the position of leadership, above the vicious lies of the (APC), has said that as President, he was seeking to impossible to be a bigot. we would wish only those propagandists and seeing serve the Nigerian nation and not to dictate. “ J u s t a s i t w i l l b e after our hearts assume such those negative comments General Buhari went on to ask Nigerians to be wary of those individuals who speak we do transcend into good considered favouritism, when positions; Those who have as nothing but a wicked derogatory words about living conditions and to make someone is favoured based on us at hearts because of the mind trying to incite same life more abundant in our his affiliations, even when he genuineness of their intentions wickedness in the generality fellow human beings. Speaking through his communities, states and the is less-worthy of the favour, and deeds; those who will be of people. so also are the grievances of quick to rise to your defense, “I dare say that the vice presidential candidate, country at large. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, “It seems though that the favouritism, when religious rather than deny the attack or prospects of elections are heated in themselves all over at a town hall meeting with exact tenets of our beliefs sentiment is brought into a ask for proof of attack. “I expect leaders to treat the world so we do a great religious leaders in Kaduna, have been abandoned, but democracy or into a highlyBuhari stressed that leadership often revisited only for self- sensitive issue as choosing this position like a religion; injustice to ourselves if we the leader of an entire country. knowing that they have been begin to insult the things that was not a one-man show. gratification. “In our Qur’an and Bible, put there in trust, that they we hold dear and believe in. “ We h a v e t o w o r k “I would like to solemnly “I believe I am speaking together. We must come declare that in spite of what we were never told that will manage affairs well and together, putting religious our detractors say, I am not leaders were chosen because make sure that no member of the minds of most if I say sentiments aside and rise a religious fanatic of any sort they were Jewish or Israelites, any community is neglected. that Nigeria and Nigerians but because they have what it “Truth be told, any leader are tired of the hopeless state above the vicious lies by the and I have never been. takes to liberate the people of who continues to show signs and the hopelessness our propagandists. Seeing those “In all my life, I have negative comments as nothing never supported extremism God because they have what of increased wealth, while the country has been plunged but a wicked mind trying to of any kind and nowhere in it takes to make the people people cried of hunger, has not into. We want to have faith in our leaders, as we do in our incite same wickedness in the my record of service to our realise the intended good and been true to his faith. “Nations around the world religions, a faith that will help generality of people,” he said. nation can this false toga, potentials for the growth and are envious of our diversity. us recognize the strength in According to him, “the which political detractors benefits of the society. “In most sincerity of They covet the strength in our our diversity and in the long prospects of elections are have tried so hard to put on heart, I urge you all to have diversity. We should focus on run, unit us as a nation. heated in themselves all over me, be substantiated. God bless Nigeria as we the world, so we do a great “ I n d e e d , i t i s v e r y a discerning mind, double- having a leader, who stands as injustice to ourselves, if we u n f o r t u n a t e a n d I f e e l check any individual who a rallying point around whom struggle again to build a united Nigeria in faith, service begin to insult the things that extremely sad that I have to speaks about another person in people can gather. ways derogatory to the dignity “One who will mend fences and good works”. we hold dear and believe in.” give this type of assurance at of a human being, surely, our and build bridges, so that Some of those present at He said: “I greet you all this time in our national life. with gladness and express “Let me reiterate that I, faiths preach against back- when called to give account the town hall meeting with the of stewardship, he can boldly Vice Presidential candidate, my delight to be amongst you Muhammadu Buhari, have biters and gossips. “I enjoin all of us to exhibit say ‘not one of the people you Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, APC in this engagement. There come as an individual to is no doubt in our heart that serve and not to dictate the virtue of tolerance because have given me have I lost in National Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun and this gathering is a good one and as a President. If given where your strength gives the course of our journey”. “Leadership is not a one former FCT Minister, Nasir to help us re-establish the the opportunity, I nurture way is where the strength of goodness in being in each no ambition to Islamise the the other person begins; that man show. So, we have to el-Rufai, Ggovernorship others’ company. country, either is my running strength is what you both work together, we must come candidate of the APC in “It is also not a secret, m a t e , P r o f e s s o r Ye m i need to forge ahead and it is together putting religious Kaduna State. Others included Arch. e s p e c i a l l y d u e t o t h e Osinbajo, nursing any ulterior the collective strength that forthcoming elections, that agenda to Christianise the we need as a people to build our nation. some groups are being tagged country. “Tolerance because the as religiously intolerant of “Please be clear that no supporters of Sharia are the other. I hope that this member of our team puts one gathering will help quell such religion above the other or one protecting their customs as the Sharia law is synonymous unfair sentiments. interest above another. By NIYI OLASINDE “My background is in the with customary laws covering “As our nation approaches customs of marriage, divorce ll roads led to Spices Eatery, Oke-Fia, Osogbo perhaps the most crucial Army and there is no doubt penultimate Wednesday, where the official launch of election on our history, all that the military is one of the and inheritance, which cannot ‘School On Air’, the intervention initiative device, true patriots are called to most integrated pan-Nigerian be forced on people, who deeper reflection of the basic institutions in this country. do not subscribe to it, but rolled out at the instance of Educational Advancement Centre, ingredients that binds the And even today, the military expecting understanding from popularly called EAC, was held. nation together; these being is one of the few national them in appreciation of their The event, which had in bodies like the West African our common freedom, peace institutions that represent customs. attendance school pupils, E x a m i n a t i o n s C o u n c i l “This tolerance should teachers, government officials, (WAEC). the pride of our nation’s and unity. guide us because even in the school administrators, parents Unveiling the School On “This reflection is even possibilities in unity. more relevant in the face of “Soldiers from every nook south of Nigeria, where there and other stakeholders in the Air device, an i-Pad-like the illegal postponement of and cranny of this country are no laws like Sharia, we education sub-sector witnessed innovation, which shares many the general elections, a feat come together, work and live still experience some level of a robust dissection of problems symbiosis with Opon Imo, the achieved through various together, entrust their lives to lawlessness and jungle justice and trends in the industry, as proprietor of EAC, Reverend well as charting ways forward Muyiwa Bamigbose, traced the sinister ploys and with the sole each other and integrate their and inhuman treatment. “So, it is not about the to finding lasting panacea derelict state of things in schools aim of avoiding the will and families. “It is a military where many law; it is simply that we have to rot and decay which had and the attendant abysmal verdict of the people. “In these, I feel the urge of my dearest friends, from all lost the sense of dignity that long bedevilled schools and performances in internal and public examinations; the sad to communicate my personal faiths and parts of the country, should accrue to the human institutions. Also on hand to brainstorm trend which according to him, vision and thoughts to the lost their lives defending the person. We now only see people of our great nation, unity of our nation. That was religion, tribe, place of origin on the issues at stake were gave birth to the introduction especially on the question of the military I served in. In and so on, when we look at representatives of examining of the devise. our neighbours. In his presentation, the brainreligion, a sensitive matter for many citizens, that has become the most frequently used tool by the ruling party. “I must add that no one is exempted from overzealousness, where faith is concerned. Just as the Christians believe so much in their cause, so also do the Muslims, as well as other religions in our country. “However, those who deliberately disseminate divisive disinformation and attempt to stoke primordial sentiments, using religion or ethnicity and create fear in the minds of people, fail the standard of patriotism that this nation demands of them and deserves from them. “There are talks today about the fear of Isamisation or Christianisation of the Nigeria states by my running mate and I or by our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is absolutely against elevating any religion to a state religion. •The Managing Editor of Osun Defender Newspaper, Ogbeni Kola Olabisi (right) in a-tete-a-tete with the publisher of “That said, our religion Vanguard Newspapers, Chief Sam Amuka Pemu at the wedding of one of the daughters of Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, or faith is expected to guide Osun APC Director of Publicity, in Lagos last Saturday. us, such that the good that
Barnabas Bala Bantex, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, former INEC Secretary, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Gen. Mohammed Magoro and former Director General of National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Idi Farouk, among others.
Education Centre Launches School-OnAir In Grand Style
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behind-the-initiative conducted a thorough exposition, rolling out the distinct features of the devise and its contents subject by subject. The trans-national education guru laced up his extrapolation with accurate statistics of retrogression in performances in public examinations and the trend of positive effect of the adoption of the initiative across the nation. It was with rapt and consummate attention that attendees watched clips of classroom teachings aired on the device in various subjects as suggested by volunteers at the event. Like the Opon Imo, which was introduced by the State Government of Osun few years back, the ‘School on Air’ is designed for pupils of senior classes in the secondary rung of the nation’s education ladder. The topics in each subject are so serialized that they comply with syllabuses for each level. The subjects are handled by a pool of seasoned experts, giving room for a variety of experts per subject. The School-On-Air is loaded on i-Pads of various dimensions but could also be transferred to android phones for onward transmission on compliant television sets or projectors. At the end of the programme, a clarion call has gone out to public-spirited individuals and groups to throw more intervention and partner with government at all levels, since government cannot shoulder all the responsibilities in the social services sector all alone. Another call went to schools, particularly private schools, parents and others to embrace the complementary effort in order to enhance superlative performances and ultimate success of their wards. It was also harped to television stations to devote quality time to relaying the lessons during the course of
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phototalk
osun Defender Saturday, March 21,
All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Presidential Candidate In Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Visited The Ogiyan Of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin, In His Palace, In Ejigbo, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday. Photo: GBENGAADENIYI.
•(L-R) Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin and Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam.
•A cross section of Islamic clerics at the palace.
•A cross section of traditional chiefs on the occasion.
•A cross section of APC supporters in Ejigbo.
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phototalk
osun Defender Saturday, March
Commendation Service For The Late Mr Timothy Olumide Ajayi (Olu Mighty), A Journalist In Osun, Held At NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, Last Thursday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
•Widow of the deceased, Mrs Bola Ajayi (left), children and relations during the commendation service.
•A cross section of Ministers of God at the event.
•A cross section of family and friends of the deceased.
•Former Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly and ex-boss of the deceased, Honourable Adejare Bello (with mic), during the service.
•Body of the deceased in a casket.
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phototalk
osun Defender Saturday, March
Launching Ceremony Of The Maiden Edition Of O’SUBEB News Magazine, Held At Local Government Service Commission Hall, New Secretariat, Osogbo, Last Tuesday. Photo: SHOLAADERINTO.
•(L-R) Representative of Alhaji (Dr) Dikko Suleiman, Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja, Alhaji Baba Sali Song; Deputy Governor, State Of Osun, Otunba Grace (Mrs)Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; Prince Felix Awofisayo, Executive Chairman , Universal Basic Board, State Of Osun and other dignitaries during the official launching of the O’ SUBEB Magazine.
•A cross section of invited guests at the launching.
•Another cross section of LGEA Chairmen, Secretaries and Board Members.
•Some of the mathematical materials distributed to the teachers and pupils after the launching .
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Osun Defender Saturday, March 21,
Asiwaju Tinubu: Nigeria’s Political Benefactor
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siwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has contributed, more than any other politician in the last 22 years, to strengthening and sustaining Nigeria’s fledgling democratic culture. His contributions have come in kind, and I hear from the grapevine; in cash as well. These sacrifices are common knowledge to many Nigerians. But let us begin in 1994. After General Sani Abacha assumed maximum dictatorial powers, detaining and assassinating dissenting voices, Tinubu and other pro-democracy citizens teamed up to form NADECO. They mobilised Nigerians to oppose Abacha. They harried the regime through the press, rallies and demonstrations. This line of action soon put their lives in danger and Tinubu had to flee into exile. And even with all the deprivations of living in cold foreign climes, Tinubu continued to inspire and mobilise Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as foreign governments to sustain the pressure on Abacha’s dictatorship. And when, thankfully, Abacha expired in 1998 and democracy was re-introduced in 1999, Tinubu was elected the governor of Nigeria’s most populous state – Lagos. This was where his leadership attributes and capacity for organising people began to assume legendary status. He began the renewal of the spirit of Lagos, which had been suppressed by long years of military dictatorship. It was a time when excellence was re-introduced into the public lives of Lagosians. And it became evident in the quality and span of roads and other public infrastructure constructed at the time. It was also evident in the changing attitude of Lagosians. They began to redevelop a high sense of pride, dignity and confidence. And they began to have very high expectations of themselves and their governments. But this did not happen very smoothly. In the 2003 general elections, P.D.P, with General Olusegun Obasanjo presiding, decimated the political territories of the main opposition party, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and “captured” most of the Yoruba states of southwestern Nigeria. Only Lagos, with a resolute and resilient Tinubu, stood firm like the Russian defenders of Stalingrad in the Second World War, against the crude and abrasive tactics of Obasanjo. In the general elections of 2007, Obasanjo retained control of these captured southwestern states and tried; using every trick and tool in the game to take Lagos from Tinubu; but with equal cunning and blinding sophistication, Tinubu resisted, won his re-election and held Lagos. Then he counter-attacked, inspiring and bankrolling challenges to the illegal victories of P.D.P governors in the southwest. And he began to win back territories. Ekiti, Osun, even Ondo with the chameleonic Mimiko challenging from the Labour Party, was recovered from P.D.P through the moral and financial support of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. His actions at this juncture in the history of our nation, saved Nigeria from degrading into a one-party state, with the attendant lack of choice and ultimately lack of freedom. However, Tinubu was not satisfied with just improving the southwestern states, being a nationalist, he longed
•tinubu By Onyeka Ibe
to see a better-governed Nigeria. So, towards the general elections of 2011, he began to reach out to other like-minded Nigerians. His grand vision was to form an opposition party capable of wresting power from P.D.P. He expanded AD to AC then to ACN. But when the politically naïve and puritanical General Buhari, (I love him for this though) sitting on a high horse and thumping his nose at his erroneously perceived “impurer” politicians like Tinubu, failed to see and take advantage of the opportunity, Tinubu recruited Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the internationally acclaimed anti-corruption prosecutor and activist, to be the presidential candidate of ACN. Ribadu was never going to win that election; the euphoria of having a minority Niger Delta president was too strong across the
country for a disjointed opposition. But lessons were learnt. The first of such lessons is that Asiwaju Tinubu means well for the country. The second lesson is that he is not an ethnic jingoist. The third is that the good of Nigeria comes far ahead of his personal ambition. The fourth is that he is always ready to sacrifice his personal ambition and resources to advance the course of our nation. The fifth and perhaps the most important lesson is that he will go to the ends of the world to recruit the best, leastcorrupt and most capable brains to run governments in Nigeria. From Raji Fashola and Prof Yemi Osinbajo in Lagos, Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti, Rauf “Ogbeni” Aregbesola in Osun, to his support for Nuhu Ribadu as ACN presidential candidate in 2011, and his foresighted, astute and relentless pursuit of the merger of ACN, CPC, ANPP and
“If Tinubu were a corrupt man and the government in power, with all the instruments of arrest and prosecution at their disposal has failed to find evidence against this man, then it stands to their eternal shame.”
others to form APC, and the total support extended to General Buhari to emerge as the presidential candidate of the APC, Tinubu has proven himself to be a true Nigerian patriot and has nothing more to prove to anybody. Action speaks louder than words (not that Tinubu is staying quiet). But his actions have demonstrated beyond question that he truly and completely believes in a less corrupt and better-governed Nigeria. Now, one cannot objectively assess a person or an issue without examining the other side of the argument. So, let’s consider the cases against Tinubu. A lot has been said about his wealth and these gossips have been followed up with allegations of corruption. From all indications, he seems to be a man with very deep pockets. But a very rich politician does not necessarily translate to a very corrupt politician. Tinubu is a smart man, and I believe, when it comes to personal financial matters, he thinks like a businessman, taking advantage of emerging opportunities to make profit. This is the hallmark of successful business people. But what has Tinubu been doing with his massive wealth? From all indications, he has deployed, at least some of it, to the development of a viable opposition party, sponsoring younger and competent political leaders like Fashola, Yemi Osinbajo, Aregbesola etc, and building a strong A.P.C that has reinvigorated our democracy. And in all these, he never ever allowed his personal political ambition stand in the way of the progress of our dear country. The big question is; would a very corrupt politician be taking the risk of fighting governments that could easily jail him? Take a second to consider that Tinubu was a consistent voice of opposition to all-powerful and vindictive President Obasanjo, and has continued to harry President Jonathan, weaken P.D.P, and has led the formation of A.P.C, which from all current indications, is developing into the strongest opposition party in Nigeria’s political history, capable of defeating President Jonathan in the coming presidential election. And after all the money and time invested by EFCC, ICPC et cetera, in investigating Tinubu, the most grievous criminal charge they could bring against him was possession of a near-empty dormant foreign account. And they couldn’t even get a conviction. If Tinubu were a corrupt man and the government in power, with all the instruments of arrest and prosecution at their disposal has failed to find evidence against this man, then it stands to their eternal shame. And if after writing this, Asiwaju were to be convicted of corruption in the future, I will only feel a sense of sadness at the falling from grace of a man who has given so much for the development of a functional democracy in our nation. But for now, he will continue to enjoy my respect and admiration, and Nigerians of democratic inclination should be genuinely grateful, and should regard him as our number one political benefactor in this democratic dispensation. •Onyeka Ibe, a writer and politician can be reached through onyezibe@ yahoo.com .
•Culled from THE NATION
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osun Defender Saturday, March 21,
Ndigbo, Fani-Kayode And 2015 Presidency
T
here is no doubt that the only way the Igbos, apart from political a c c ident, can produce the president in the country is by zoning. If not for the sudden demise of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in office, and President Goodluck Jonathan’s contest of 2011 Presidency against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoning arrangement, PDP would have fielded a South East presidential candidate, and a North Central running mate in this forthcoming presidential poll. There is no argument about this because even the founding fathers of the party know this. That was why the then PDP National Chairman, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, was very frank and courageous at the peak of the late President Yar’Adua’s health saga, when he publicly declared that PDP would abide by its presidency zoning arrangement. But immediately Jonathan assumed office as President, the presidency and its hawks ousted Ogbulafor from office and roped him in, in alleged corrupt practice to silence him. Some prominent Igbo politicians in the PDP and their Northern counterparts, which include Senator Ken Nnamani, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Senator Ben Obi, Prof ABC Nwosu, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Prof. Ango Abdullahi and others met severally then and even signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that they would work together as a people to ensure that their political interest and aspiration would be met. Indirectly, they were against Jonathan’s ambition to contest 2011 presidential poll, knowing full well the long-term political implication of such on PDP zoning principles that has been driving the party’s success in the poll since 1999. But before one could bat an eyelid, the Igbo political leaders in the PDP have capitulated and sold out to the Jonathan’s ambition in 2011. Typical of an Igbo man, who is always handy to be used to betray his people, many of the Igbo political leaders jumped into the Jonathan’s campaign train to the disappointment of their Northern counterparts. There were settled with contracts, appointments and cash in exchange for their political opportunity and by extension, right to produce the President in 2015. Ahead of the 2015 polls, they saw the political trend with the formation of All Progressives Congress (APC), the alignment between the North and the Southwest, which has become the possible game changer, they stuck with the Jonathan’s ambition, even when it is obvious that Jonathan’s government in the last five years plus has failed the Igbos woefully. In the last five years of Jonathan’s administration in Igbo land, it has been more of political promise less action. From the Second Niger Bridge, Enugu-Onitsha road, EnuguPort Harcourt road, Onitsha port to the refusal to commission Prof. Barth Nnaji’s Geometric Power Plant in Aba that was ready for almost two years now. The list is endless. But some few Igbo treacherous leaders, who are beneficiaries of the President Jonathan’s government and the massive corruption that has characterized it in the last five years, have continued to shamelessly campaign for his re-election in Igbo land with nothing concrete for the Igbos. They are busy spreading cheap propaganda and hate message against
•fani-kayode By Jacob Nwaezeo-
the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate, General Muhammed Buhari. These categories of Igbo leaders include former governors, incumbent governors, serving ministers, former ministers, leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and several others. So much public funds have been made available to them by the Presidency, and they are busy justifying their loots by engaging in all kinds of hatchet political jobs. They are everywhere on the pages of newspaper, in the churches, communities, on the streets sponsoring pro-Jonathan rallies with looted public money, casting Buhari and APC in bad light. They are deluding the people that Buhari will Islamise Nigeria if he is elected President, but failed to tell them why President Jonathan has not Christianise the country in the last five years, if it is easy. They are telling them that Hausas are Boko Haram and not good people, but did not tell them why Boko Haram insurgents have been killing and displacing the Muslims in the last five years. If truly Hausas are not good as these elite want us to believe, why have they been able co-habit peacefully in Igbo land for decades. One hard truth these set of Igbo political mercenaries have refused to disclose to their people or wouldn’t want them to know is that the votes of the South East and South-South, which is about 16.8 million cannot return Jonathan for second term, even if he gets all of them which is not possible. That the votes of these two geo-political zones are not up to the vote of the Northwest zone with 19,800 million votes.
In this their hatchet job, none of these so-called Igbo political leaders in the PDP is talking or negotiating anything better for the political future of the South East in power equation of the country. What matters most to them is the immediacy, which is their private pockets, business interests, and that of their families, and relations. Others can go the hell. That is why majority of them have remained with the tag:”Any Government In Power” (AGIP). It is for this reason that some Nigerians such a men of yesterday and the Director of Media and Publicity of the President Jonathan campaign organisation, Chief Femi-Fani-Kayode could summon courage to insult the sensibilities of the Igbos in the name of campaigning for President Jonathan by re-writing the civil war history. Addressing journalists in Umuahia, Abia State recently, Fani-Kayode, said there had been “mind boggling allegations” against Buhari over his roles in the massacre of Igbos in the ‘60s and should therefore not be allowed to continue to run from his shadows. He said Buhari’s hands reek of the blood of innocent Igbo civilians massacred in cold blood, hence such atrocities could not qualify him as a presidential candidate but a candidate for the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague. Citing the horrendous massacre of Igbo civilians, including women and children in the North, and the killing of Igbo men and young boys at Asaba after the town was “liberated” by federal forces, Fani-Kayode insisted that Buhari’s name had always popped up in connection with those heinous crimes against humanity. “It is important for us to remember
that day because one of the allegations against Buhari that was to be put to him at the Oputa Panel was that he was among the division that took part in the massacre and that ordered those killings,” he said, adding that Buhari should speak up and explain if he was in Asaba on that fateful day and if so, apologise to Igbos and Nigerians in general before atoning for his sins. It had been expected that some Igbo leaders would have called Fani-Kayode to order over the unguarded utterances, especially concerning the Igbos and the civil war, but as we know the fear of incurring the Presidency’s wrath appears to be their handicaps because they lack integrity. If not, what did Fani-Kayode know about Igbos and the civil war experiences? If Buhari was serving in a military division, where Igbos were killed during the civil war, does that mean that Buhari killed them? Of what effects are such utterances on Igbos’ fortune in Jonathan presidency? Why such comments now? Why was Fani-Kayode trying to re-write history of civil war for the Igbos, and when has he become the spokesman of the Igbos or Ohanaeze? Lest we may forget that the worst thing that happened to the Igbos after the war was the issue of abandoned property in Rivers. Bayelsa was part of Rivers then and President Jonathan was from there. So we can conveniently ask President Jonathan and his people to explain their roles in the abandoned property saga in Rivers. This is because most of the properties in the present Rivers and Bayelsa and by extension Cross River belong to Igbos before the war but could not recover them after the war. The old Rivers people seized everything Igbos worked for and refused to give them back anything after the war. Whereas those in the North, whom people like Fani- Kayode tagged enemies of the Igbos, did not only protect Igbos property in the region, they returned them to the Igbos immediately after the civil war. People like the late Biafra warlord, Chief Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, reclaimed his father’s house in Kano after the war and willed it to one of his daughters at death. That is why it was easy for Igbos in the North to start life quickly after the war. Before the Boko Haram insurgency, 80 per cent of Igbos are earning their living in the remote areas of the North, where you hardly find an Ijaw man. This is because Ijaw men are not good at adventures. So, who is trying to pitch Igbos against the North ahead of the rescheduled polls? When have Igbos become cheap products for sale to the highest bidder? Ahead of the rescheduled presidential poll, the political atmosphere is very clear. The direction is change and the Igbos should not be left behind because immediately the change occurs. These political hypocrites called Igbos leaders in the PDP that have been hoodwinking the Igbos with Greek gift from President Jonathan will be the first to shift base. They are not truly Igbo political leaders, but political harlots, who are specialists in the elitist conspiracy, and divide and rule method to remain politically relevant. Igbos must shine their eyes.
• Jacob, a retired civil servant, wrote in from Nsukka, Enugu State
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Communiqué Of The Pan-Yoruba Summit Of Leaders Of Yoruba Nation, Current And Past Governors Of Yoruba States, Traditional Rulers And Fathers Of The Yoruba People And Their Representatives, Yoruba Officers Of Various Civic And Professional Agencies, Yoruba People At Home And In The Diaspora, Held At The Parliament Building, State Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State, On March 19, 2015 Preamble In these days of disillusionment, self-doubt and despondency among many of our people, it is simply stating the obvious that we have to, once again interrogate our circumstances within the socio-economic formation known as Nigeria if only to reposition our people so that we can recover our lost glory and re-invent our leadership position in the scheme of things. While some of us continue to relish the past and insist that our leadership position is not threatened, the more discerning among us realize that failure to correctly appraise the situation could only be calamitous to the destiny of the Yoruba people. The truth of the matter is that the lives and destiny of 50 million souls cannot and should not be trampled upon by reprobates, renegades, revisionists, and impostors. The contemporary selfproclaimed spokesmen and supposed protectors of our people just have to cease and desist from their sanctimonious and opportunistic crusade and become truly slaves of the common cause. The Yoruba Assembly at this summit has taken strong positions on issues tabled and therefore resolves as follows: •DECRIES the erosion of Yoruba values, virtues, and mores. •AFFIRMS that the marginalisation of Yoruba people has attained the status of deliberate policy of the Central Government of Nigeria. This has been intensified under the current administration by extending it to Yoruba kith and kin in Itsekiri land. •IS CONCERNED that there are calculated attempts to invade and subjugate Yoruba land through covert, disguised and even official policies of the Central Government. This was seen in gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and the State of Osun where fake and hooded combat ready militants were deployed under the cover of official security operatives including the DSS, police, and the Nigerian Army. Also, in the name of job creation, Nigerian youths are being trained and used for partisan political purposes in Yoruba land. •FROWNS at misguided elements in Yoruba land who have resorted to brazen violence, forgetting that the acceptable methodology of socio-political interactions in Yoruba land is that of robust discourse, rather than violent tactics and brigandage. •DECRIES the decimation of entrepreneurial ambitions of Yoruba people through Federal Institutions and agencies that are supposed to be enablers and facilitators of economic development as seen in unnecessary official bottlenecks and impediments. •ALARMED at the near virtual absence of reliable and critical infrastructure of electricity, energy, and transportation which has led to the collapse of economic activities in Yoruba land. Consequently, a people who pride themselves as proficient traders, skilful artisans, and competent professionals have become despondent, with their youths wasting away, leading to increase in Youth Dependency and predisposing our future to idle hands, political thugs, internet scammers etc. •IS WORRIED that in the absence of proactive, concerted, and visionary leadership in Nigeria, insecurity has festered to the level of national emergency.
•AFFIRMS that the resolutions of the National Conference failed to resolve fundamental issues that are prerequisite to a sustainable federalism and without which the few useful recommendations would become meaningless. •INSISTS that the 2015 General Elections must hold as scheduled and must be free, fair, credible, and transparent. •GIVEN the fact that for the past 16 years, Yoruba people have suffered marginalisation within the Nigerian state, the Yoruba Assembly calls on Yoruba people to vote for leaders who have the interests of the Yoruba at heart, in order to bring an end to this unacceptable state of affairs. On account of the foregoing, the Yoruba Assembly DEMANDS as follows: •Yoruba land will not be an occupied territory •Yoruba must pursue their destiny in line with the development priorities and ambitions of her people. The creation of a structural environment for effective devolution of powers to the country’s constituent units as a strategic development imperative. •A repeal of laws and policies that stifle the creativity of her people. •The dismantling of all pseudo-security agencies that impede peace, harass and terrorise her citizens in order to enforce pre-determined agenda that are not consistent with the wishes of Yoruba people. •That regional competitiveness should be the basis and indeed the key driver of growth and development of Nigeria, recognising that the creative spirit and latent capabilities of the country reside within the geo-political zones. •That the effectiveness of the Federal Government of Nigeria lies on focusing on the critical issues of governance that are common to all components, like defence, national security, foreign affairs, currency and exchange rate, etc, while all other socio-economic responsibilities, especially that of resource control, devolve to the federating units. •The removal of all bottlenecks in the way of provision of effective and efficient transportation system, electrical power, and petroleum refining infrastructure. •The facilitation of a fully diversified economy, moving away from the existing mono-product scenario to one in which the federating units can leverage on their endowment and productive resources. •Finally, Yoruba people hereby state categorically that the General Elections scheduled to commence on Saturday, March 28, 2015 MUST not be postponed or jeopardised. Yoruba people will not countenance any form of unelected government, be it Government of National Unity, Interim National Government or howsoever described. •Yoruba people will not hesitate to take our destiny in our own hands in the event of any attempt to compromise our democratic existence. Signed, today, Thursday, 19 March, 2015, By: Gen. Alani Ipoola Akinrinade [Rtd], GCON The Convener Yoruba Assembly
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The Ogbeni On The Hustings
•Connecting Local Politics To National
A
ll politics - a former Speaker of the United States Federal House of Representatives, Thomas ‘Tip’ O’Neil has often been quoted as saying, ‘is Local”. In Nigeria’s currently ‘postponed’ national general elections, within the context of the profound disillusioned that has accompanied the delay of the election, it will be necessary to link local issues with the national campaign. Such an intervention is vitally necessary, if the momentum of excitement and renewed hope, generated before the postponement is to be revived. The campaign trail, as is usual, has been littered with promises. This is understandable, for that is the nature of any electoral contest. However, the tasting of the pudding, as we are constantly reminded, is in the eating. Promises that are not backed up by empirical evidence are very much like soliciting for the triumph of hope over our past dismal experience. The potential voter will in the process have to be an eternal optimist or have the instinct of a gambler to believe the myriad of promises. This is why those who are sounding believable and drawing the crowds are precisely those who can point to a track record of achievement. This is very reminiscent of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s invigorating campaign in the 1979 presidential election. To recall, the avatar ran on the basis of a well-costed programme of cardinal principles. The programme was believed because the presenter had a track of verifiable delivery and achievement to point to. On the hustings today, quite understandably, politicians are facing a profoundly disillusioned electorate. They have heard it all before. This is why they are not unnaturally asking for the track record of the man making the promises. As far as they are concerned, they had heard it all before, which means that quite sensibly ‘we won’t get fooled again’. A case study of linking local with national politics is the State of Osun helmsman, Engineer Rauf Aregbesola or the Ogbeni governor, as he would rather be called. Aregbesola has great gifts. He is a brilliant orator and a ferocious campaigner like Bill Clinton and Tony Blair; he is a political natural. Fundamentally, he is also believable. Aregbesola’s credibility on the hustings comes from a verifiable track record in office. At the
•aregbesola By Kanmi Ademiluyi
moment, it’s a difficult time to head a federating unit, which is commonly referred to as a ‘state’. In addition, the Ogbeni governor took over a dysfunctional state. This did not deter him, as he commenced on and carried out a seminal retooling work to reposition the state. Because of this, on the campaign trail, Aregbesola has been able to showcase his achievements. Running on a crescendo engineered by his re-election, which was recently validated by the election petitions tribunal, the Ogbeni Governor has a spring to his steps. Aregbesola is actually an old fashioned social democrat in the progressive nexus of Nigeria’s political firmament. He is passionately driven. His activity on the campaign trail has therefore been punishing. Here he wears two hats. The first is as a committed progressive, passionate in his commitment to change and the other as the coordinator of the All Progressive Congress (APC) SouthWest Campaign. M e rg i n g t h e t w o , h e h a s established a template on the hustings. Forever driving and having his points through the dusty route of the campaign trail, he fuses local concern with the national campaign thrust. ‘Yes’, he admonishes, ‘don’t
be cynical, change is possible’. In addition, he intones to diverse audiences, ‘look around you and see what we have done when we had the opportunity’. In his own case, he has a long litany of promises kept, to point to. The example of his own State of Osun (that’s how they like to be referred to there) shows the endless possibilities of a progressive thrust. In the State of Osun, the state has been repositioned in a way that shows up the futility of ‘the state has no role to play’ shibboleth. It’s not just lean government in Osun, its smart government. Government has been used to re-engineer the state. In this way with limited funds and starting from a very low base, there has been a tremendous widening of access to education, health and social services facilities. The emphasis has also been on job creation, as well as sustainable development. There is a similarity here with the path-breaking advances made in Brazil under its former President Lula Da Silva. ‘Lula’ demonstrated, just as Aregbesola is doing that the state can be used as the engine room for social change. Like Lula and like Awolowo before him, when the Ogbeni intones ‘change’ it does not sound like a cliché. It’s believable, as in, ‘if you want to understand what we mean, come to Osun and
look around you’. On the campaign trail, to an audience of the undecided, it sounds very believable. It makes it easy to connect to the national campaign. If it is true that Buhari offers change, where’s the proof. The proof Aregbesola, the campaigner will exhort, is in what we have done with limited funds in Osun, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and all points west. The empirical evidence he brings out is verifiable and because of that, it stimulates the audience. The postponement of the election, not surprisingly, has been quite a blow. Actually, it is tantamount to a Latin American type ‘Oligolpe’ or self coup. This mechanism has been used time and again to retain power by all manner of subterfuge by a government that has lost both mass appeal and often legitimacy. What is being played out in Nigeria today is essentially an ‘Oligolpe’. To maintain the momentum interrupted by the contrived postponement, it will require great skills, stamina and determination. In Aregbesola, the opposition can put its best foot forward. Obviously, he does not like the use of the concept of ‘opposition’. The force of his campaign is more focused on ‘government-in-waiting’. The government-in-waiting tag will be crucial in rekindling enthusiasm within the current
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A
t long last, the rescheduled presidential election holds next Saturday. By the time you are reading this column, most Nigerians are queuing up to vote for the President of their choice. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is seeking re-election on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while his major opponent is General Muhammed Buhari, contesting on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Other candidates are equally vying for the top post. The PDP was cynical and derided the political parties that merged to form the opposition, APC. Initially, it was unthinkable to them that the various political parties and their leaders can subsume their parochial interest to form a viable opposition party. After the successful merger, the next attack was the inability of the party to present a formidable candidate that would be acceptable to all members. That done, the PDP felt they had the anti-dote to any positive attribute to be offered by General Buhari. At first they started with the repression that took place under his leadership as the head of the military junta in the 80s. When the stigma did not fly, PDP tried to paint him as a corruptible officer in spite of his credentials as an incorruptible military officer. The campaign of calumny on Buhari dwelt on public offices held in the past such as the Minister of Petroleum under the General Olusegun Obasanjo government. His leadership of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under General Sani Abacha did not escape the prying eyes of his critics in the PDP. Before this time, the issue of his academic result, especially his Cambridge School Certificate result became a big issue since he did not submit it alongside his Nomination Form. It became a heated national debate and this particular issue exposed some of our so-called legal luminaries as not being properly grounded in law. As a former military strategist, he allowed the two sides of the divide to exhaust their arguments before tendering the computer print-out of his name alongside his other colleagues. That ended the controversy on his school certificate. The fact that he was once a Head of State and had contested for the office three times in the past did not even make any meaning to some people. The courses he attended in prestigious military institutions outside the country did also not matter to his avowed critics. The governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, is insistent that, Buhari is old and not healthy enough, hence he could not rule this country
Audacious Exploit with Murtala Agboola Tel: 0806-119-7897 E-mail: murtalamuag@yahoo.com
PDP Cannot Forget The Buhari Of 2015
•buhari
again. He caused to be published front page advertisements in two national dailies, which implied that Buhari should be denied votes because he would die in office. He made references to two Nigerian leaders from the North-West geopolitical zone of the country that died in office. Fayose referred to General Murtala Ramat Mohamed and President Musa Yar’Adua of Kano and Katsina states respectively, who died in office and concluded by saying that Buhari would end up the same way. As if that was not bad enough, Fayose made releases in newspapers that the discourse Buhari planned to have with the British public at Chatham House in London was a ruse. He insisted that Buhari was in London to attend
to his health. However, contrary to Fayose’s narration, Buhari performed admirably at the Chatham House, London discourse. To avoid public disgrace, the PDP, according to newspaper reports, organized some people in London to demonstrate against Buhari, but unknown to them, he was already in the hall before the demonstrators got there. The fundamental poser now is; is this Buhari different from the Buhari that had contested election thrice in this country? Yes, Buhari in 2015, is an idea which time has finally arrived. The platform on which Buhari is contesting this time around is different. APC is stronger than the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Buhari is now well packaged to meet the yearnings and aspiration
of marginalized Nigerians. His credibility is there as an asset for him anytime anyday. Corruption was elevated to state policy under the Jonathan administration. Public officials were rumoured to have been involved in graft one way or the other and he looked helpless. Instances abound in this area. The Minister for Petroleum, Mrs Diezani AllisonMadueke and former Minister of Aviation, Mrs Stella Odua were allegedly involved in financial deals least expected of public officials, yet, the presidency could not handle it to public expectation. The handling of Boko Haram scourge was also not the best. The terrorists had field day killing and maiming innocent citizens. The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, doubted the veracity of the kidnapped Chibok School girls until it became a public disgrace. Security officials always advised the President against visiting the states under emergency rule but when the President needed their votes, it became appropriate for Mr. Jonathan to visit the troubled area. It shows that the votes and not the lives of the people matter to him. Besides the rescheduling of the election, sources say the PDP is planning not to have this election. The party has come out strongly against the smart card readers that would identify authentic permanent voter card owners. The rumour of the planned interim government is also in the air. Security was the alibi given for the postponement of election, could there be any other joke? All Nigerians need to be extra vigilant to ensure that this election will take place. It is in our interest that the elections hold because it will help to entrench our democracy. It will also teach those who hold power that they do so on behalf of the people and is for a short period. The PDP realized too late that it needed to be responsive to the yearnings of the people. Be that as it may, it should go into the elections with open mind. Whatever the lessons learnt would not be for this election but for subsequent elections. Nigerians are desirous of change, which is the only permanent thing in life. The First lady, Mrs Jonathan said in Calabar that whoever says ‘change’ should be stoned. That statement coming from the First Lady also known as Mama Peace is to say the least unfortunate. Public opinion from reputable organizers of the views of millions of Nigerians showed that Buhari is leading the president in the
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