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A Peace Pact Under Threat …Still On Increasing Political Violence
January 14, 2015 marked what seemed a watershed in the political evolution of Nigeria. It was a day the top political class gave Nigerians hope of a violence-free and indeed responsible electioneering process.
The occasion was the Workshop for Presidential Candidates in Abuja, which climaxed with the signing of the now popular Abuja Peace Accord by 11 Presidential candidates, including those of the two dominant parties, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP leader, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his All Progressives Congress, APC counterpart, General Muhammadu Buhari.
The warm embrace, statesmanly remarks and body language did not indicate pretentious conscription nor forced indoctrination. All depicted free will, belief, willingness and indeed readiness to make the peace accord work. Essentially, both candidates spoke with mutual respect, integrity and hope for a better and indeed violence-free electioneering process up till the elections proper.
That ceremony was indeed applauded by many, with the hope that the new thinking will be driven down the ranks of the various parties, whose foot-soldiers are often unpredictable, hasty in judgement and easily given to violence.
Coming after the horrible stories of pre-election violence in Jos, the Plateau State capital and parts of Rivers State, the Abuja Peace Accord was considered very timely. In condemning the disturbances, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, had promised to fish out and punish culprits of electoral violence as a means of checking the negative trend.
The IGP’s assurance indeed served as a security backing to the Peace Accord and which gave Nigerians the impression that the remaining part of the parties’ campaigns will be violence-free, peaceful and indeed civil. Many hoped that campaign venues, individuals and property will also be made safe, since there could always be fifth columnist ready to confront good.
This is why stories of renewed political intolerance and avoidable violent destruction of property reported in Bauchi, Jigawa and parts of Rivers State should worry many.
In Bauchi State, the Presidential Motorcade conveying the PDP candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan came under attack by suspected hoodlums chanting anti-PDP war songs. In Jigawa, Governor Sule Lamido raised the alarm that a lot of religious sentiments were being injected into the campaigns, capable of causing violence. There too, according to media reports, the PDP campaign train came under attack.
Only on Friday, eve of the January 24, Governorship Campaign of the APC candidate, Dakuku Adulphus Peterside in Okrika unknown gunmen raided the campaign venue; Okrika National School Field at night, destroying hi-tech musical equipment, collapsible stages and a 40 megawatte sound-proof generating set hired for the event.
Early Saturday morning, as APC sympathisers counted their losses and attempted to piece-together what was left for take-off of the day’s programme, using alternative public address systems and hand-made stages, the venue came under another vicious attack, this time leaving in its trail, a huge inferno that consumed whatever was left of the campaign venue. And that day’s campaign could no longer hold as the Police went after suspects.
Naturally, in all such instances there would be name calling. But what was indeed strange was that the two dominant parties in the Okrika Local Government Area had earlier in the week carried out their ward Campaigns without any incident.
Infact, both parties had their Ogoloma Wards’ rallies on Tuesday: APC at the UNA Church School Field for Wards 10, 11 and 12 while the PDP had theirs at the three various ward – units. It was very peaceful with each party, displaying tremendous amount of responsibility.
That same spirit continued all through the week. Infact, Ex-Militant Leader, High Chief Ateke Tom, sent out a town – crier urging tolerance and peaceful campaigns to avoid any breach of peace, with the warning that any party member caught disrupting the activities of another party will be apprehended and handed over to the law-enforcement agencies.
Such was the harmony and peace that Okrika enjoyed up to PDP governorship campaigns of Thursday, January 22, at the Okrika National School Field, Okrika, two days before the APC rally scheduled for the same venue, only for the arena to come under such destruction.
These cases of violence do not reflect the spirit of the Abuja Peace Accord which the 11 Presidential candidates signed for and on behalf of their parties. They really do not support many Nigerians’ optimism that the elections would be violence-free and credible.
But it shouldn’t be so. It must be said for the umpteenth time that no individual’s ambition is worth any body’s blood. Although no human life was lost, the amount of destruction was indeed huge and could cause sudden death among proper owners.
Can it be said that these actions were ordered by the Presidential candidate? Very unlikely. Then by whom? Should any one deviate from the non-violence crusade of the candidates and at what prize? What would such a fifth columnist gain from such unauthorised violence?
Again, can the parties claim ignorance of standing ‘armies’ in the name of thugs in their ranks? Were such thugs expelled after the Peace Accord or granted amnesty to go home and rest since there would be no more work left for them to do?
No political party readily accepted the existence of such armies, not to talk of disbanding them. So where do we place the Abuja Peace Accord vis-a-vis violent characters within political parties, who in demonstration of fanatical support for their principals and parties could undertake all manner of unprintable violent actions. They could maim and destroy property even without an order as long as they feel that their self-acclaimed supremacy was under threat.
It was this understanding that stopped this writer from joining the bandwagon of optimists and believers in the Abuja Peace Accord. The top-down approach hardly records meaningful results in matters of this political nature. It is the bottom-top that is preferred.
That approach captures the people as the central focus of political activities and easily identifies violent people. If political parties are popular and properly rooted in a given area, their tendency to embrace violence would be minimal. It is instead, the one threatened by the other’s rising profile and popularity that kicks.
For the Abuja Peace Accord to be meaningful therefore, the political parties should transprint the message down to their parties’ roots, dismantle standby political militia groups, embrace issue-based campaigns, avoid inflammatory and insulting languages, eschew religious and ethnic sentiments and above all mean it.
For now, what I see is desperation among all parties, particularly the dominant ones. A desperation that depicts a win-at-all-cost mien, that runs through its membership ranks, up to the grassroots. Comments like defend your votes, depict a typical war situation where, the voters’ votes could be attacked. And since, it is often said, that the best form of defence is attack, the affected party faithful prepares earlier for a known or imaginary enemy.
These are ways of creating political armies without arms and implanting intolerance among ordinary folks in different political parties.
Without a doubt, the Abuja Peace Accord can only have meaning if honestly and religiously enforced to the letter by the parties themselves. They should be willing to lose elections rather than fan the embers of hatred and violence.
My Agony is that no true Nigerian politician willingly loses elections by his unwillingness to defend against violence, through a little violence, by a few volunteers of violence. Fact is, violence is not often carried out by those who signed the Abuja pact, their body language and public speeches are, may be, misunderstood by volunteers of violence who act without express order.
That is the missing link and true source of worry.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
President Jonathan and Gen Buhari
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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.