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Plot To Stop Jonathan … Misfortune Unites IBB, Atiku, Others
United by the misfortune of the unfortunate and painful death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua last month, the disturbing increase in approval of rating and public support for his successor, President Goodluck Jonathan and the North’s fear of losing the presidency to the South specifically, the long neglected Niger Delta region, by 2011, strange political bed-fellows are set for battle – a battle against the incomprehensibility of a Supreme Being, known to Islam as Allah and to Christianity as Almighty God.
Apparently dazed by the strange turn of political events and the high prospects for a Niger Delta presidency, former military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, one-time Finance Minister and many times presidential aspirant, Mallam Adamu Ciroma and 12 other Northern political top notchers last week met at the Abuja residence of Atiku.
That meeting was followed by another Saturday, and in attendance were five representatives from each of the three northern zones, North-East, North Central and North-West, with Babangida, Atiku and Ciroma, as arrow-heads.
The arguments against the perceived possibility of a Jonathan presidency come 2011 did not change; that Yar’Adua should have spent not more than two terms of eight years, if he had lived to indicate such interest, because the North earned the 8-year period by simply allowing former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the same number of years on behalf of the South.
That, according to them, was informed by a gentle man’s agreement which voluntarily ceded the presidency to the South, specifically to Obasanjo, after the death in prison of Chief Moshood Abiola, presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections and the need to pacify the grieving South-West.
Laughable, but so sacrosanct is that agreement, in their estimation that they would do anything and everything to ensure that the North reclaims its prized heritage, a property they have owned for most of the nearly 50-year-post independence history of the forced federation of Nigeria.
Expectedly, the annually recycled Northern political big-wigs intend to carry their disapproval to everywhere including the National Working Committee, (NWC) and then the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of which serving President Goodluck Jonathan is leader, as of right.
In all these however, Jonathan is not known to have voiced interest in contesting the 2011 national elections on the PDP platform or on any other party’s for that matter. In fact, early last month, he ordered the arrest of some over-zealous supporters, who by themselves, and without his consent posted giant-size posters at strategic places in Abuja, and which urged Jonathan to contest the 2011 presidential elections.
If anything, Jonathan’s known public comments on whether or not he would play a key role in 2011 came on the heels of his historic visit to Washington, seat of the American political power, in his days as Acting President.
Then, Jonathan had told probing news hounds that he had three basic options: To pair-up with a sellable presidential candidate as vice; Return to Bayelsa after the end of the Yar’Adua/Jonathan joint ticket and eventual presidency; or contest the 2011 presidential elections as the Nigerian Constitution entitles him to do.
Not once has Jonathan been heard to say openly that he would wish to hang-on to power longer than 2011, as did Babangida and the many other Military Heads of State from the Northern part of Nigeria, who among themselves ruled Nigeria uptill Obasanjo’s brief emergence after the death of Murtala and in 1999 re-appearing as an obvious Northern choice, apparently as compensation for his role in installing former President Shehu Shagari, instead of his kinsman Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Former Ogun State Governor, Aremu Segun Osoba alluded to that fact last Friday during the executive session of the just concluded All Nigerian Editors’ Conference (ANEC) convoked by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Port Harcourt, when while advising Rivers Governor Chibuike Amaechi, of the need to be discrete with official documents, Aremu Osoba shocked the conference with the information of how Obasanjo sought clearance from NPN candidate Shagari, on the choice of Supreme Court Justices to hear the election petition brought against Shagari’s 1979 Presidential victory by Awolowo. Twenty years later in 1999, the outcome of the presidential elections showed Obasanjo a little more of a Northern candidate, than a southern, without a political home base.
Even so, in 2003, Obasanjo was not given automatic re-election ticket, even in the face of the now contentious gentleman’s agreement of eight-year rotation between the North and South. Instead, as is required democratically, several others, including ambitious Northern elements contested the party primaries before the incumbent won re-election. Those who contested against Obasanjo did so because it was their constitutional right, so to do.
But today, Jonathan is being blackmailed with a rotational arrangement which had never, did not and probably would never have taken into account, the many fears of the Niger Delta, against which the Wilinks Commission warned long before independence in 1960.
Were the PDP rotation allowed to hold water, this would surely be the scenario. South-West, eight years 1999-2007, North-West, 2007-2015; South-East, 2015-2023, North-East, 2023-2031, South-South-2031-2039 and North-Central 2039-2047, a period of 48 years. The implication will be that in addition to the nearly 50 years of denial of political space to aspire to the highest political office in the land, the South-South geo-political zone would have waited 82 long years, but for the intervention of the Supreme Being known to the South-South as Ayiba, Tamuno, Chi, Abasi, Kiniyanabo Bari and Chinbo Boroma, among others. Strangely, it was that same God that unilaterally reduced Jonathan’s three known pre-president options for 2011, to only two, thus, erasing completely, the likelihood of he pairing-up with any ‘mega’ Northern candidate as running-mate, an arrangement which top politicians like Babangida, Atiku and Ciroma would have treasured and yet seek second term as of constitutional right.
But I have a worry. The Nigerian Constitution clearly states that oil bearing states should be granted derivation of not more than 50 per cent. This clearly means that 50 per cent derivation to the Niger Delta would still have been constitutional. But regaling in the euphoria of being a super majority, the Hausa/Fulani flock which predominantly people the North, along with other majority tribes considered only 13 percent after much sweat.
Their excuse, has well been that such huge allocation would ground other less-productive states of the federation and thus impracticable. But today, the maximum of two terms of eight years is being pursued religiously as if oblivious of the fact that such would also ground many states desirous of a political space, especially that of the South-South, with Jonathan merely as a vessel.
My Agony is that President Jonathan has yet to signify any intention of contesting in 2011, even if neither the PDP’s phoney rotational agreement nor the Nigerian Constitution forbids him to, but the polity is already awash with unpopular protests grounded in ethno-religious permutations.
These should not deter Jonathan because everything, from Yar’Adua’s protracted ill-health to Jonathan’s ascendancy to executive power as President, is like the peace of God which passeth all understanding, and clearly reveals forces far greater than Jonathan, the North, South and indeed Nigeria. That is why he should not allow mortal political book makers to distract him, from doing the work, which providence has imposed on him in these trying times of Nigeria’s existence.
Instead, Jonathan must seek to deliver on his inaugural promises within the short time at his disposal, particularly, those of improved, electric power supply, religious implementation of the post-amnesty package, the Niger Delta question and electoral reforms. All others including the Presidency in 2011 will follow, if the same Supreme Being, the decider of all political conflicts, wills it so.
This is indeed not Jonathan’s fight, but that of all-well-meaning Nigerians who, have for far too long waited patiently for divine intervention in the lives of men, Nigerians and Nigeria in particular.
With that, no amount of unity in misfortune as the reported gang-up of strange political big-wigs seems, can change the face of providence which appears to be beckoning on Jonathan, under-estimated from day one and never seen coming this far, to stand up and address our fluctuating fortunes as a rich nation with very poor people.
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.