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A Moment For Reckoning …That Obsanjo’s View On Chibok Girls Rescue
Buhari and Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo last week, fell short of tagging the Buhari administration’s optimism to rescue the Chibok Girls, abducted nearly two years ago, as deceptive. According to him, to achieve such feat after three days was futile and after as long as two years, unrealistic.
Pessimistic as the former military general’s position may appear at a time when Nigerians have invested all of their hopes on the current administration should worry the security community, the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Viewed from the standpoint that Obasanjo, all through the former government’s tenure, was a steady critic of the manner the war on terror was being prosecuted and repeatedly challenged it to do everything necessary to rescue and bring back home the girls, Obasanjo’s recent comments are defeatist and capable of discouraging the security community determined to die trying.
To some Nigerians, the former Head of State’s position should be seen as a frank-talk that depicts the reality on ground but the question is : At what time did he come by this painful realization? Did he know this and yet blamed the failure to rescue the girls on the incompetence of the Jonathan administration and failure to take the right steps?.
If indeed the mission seemed impossible after three days, what advice did he give to the former government? Forget the search? Or the present, too unrealistic to continue?
Obasanjo was an open supporter of APC and for which he not merely withdrew as chairman of Board of Trustees of the PDP, he also allegedly tore his PDP membership card. A party that brought him to power and which kept him for eight years on corridor of influence and affluence.
Some of the reasons for Obasanjo’s preference for the APC over the PDP were among others, poor security, poor economic management, failure of the PDP administration under Jonathan to listen to wise counsels, the lack-lustre approach to the war on terror and the failure to accept head-on the challenge to rescue alive, the Chibok girls.
But all through the campaigns, at least after more than Obasanjo’s three day deadline’, the former President did not tell Nigerians that the promise by the APC to rescue the Chibok girls in no time, after assumption of office, was an impossibility, hopeful that it was possible to do what the Jonathan Presidency could not achieve, many Nigerians jettisoned the PDP and voted overwhelmingly for the APC, which premised its electoral promises on security, war on terror and corruption, drastic economic revival, aggressive investment in agriculture, infrastructure, education and power among many other promises.
Nearly a year after, Obasanjo has punctured the optimism of Nigerians to see the Chibok girls alive. Security still remains a major issue with increase in cases of kidnappings, armed robbery, religious conflicts, frequent battles between Fulani herdsmen and farmers, oil theft and illegal bunkering, a shaky currency and an economy on its knees.
Although Nigerian troops deserve the people’s praise for the success recorded in the war against terror’ in the North East of the country, Boko Haram, which government promised would be no more after December 31, last years, is still alive killing many more at soft targets. The issues of the military and Islamic Shitte confrontation is under the carpet waiting to boom. Benue and Plateau States farmers have continued to raise alarm over attacks on them by herdsmen. Pro-Biafra agitators still pose a challenge to security in the South-East, imminent electoral shocks loom in parts of the South-South over rerun polls and the uncertainty that still hangs over young men in the South-West asking for amnesty.
In the areas of power, the Discos are still insistent that the hike in electricity tariff announced February 1 must remain even after Senate and most Nigerians insist otherwise. And for this, no reasonable progress has been made in that sector.
What of the 2016 Federal Budget? Amidst accusations and counter- accusations of corrupt withdrawal from the National Assembly and padding, nothing has been heard on what to do with culprits, in a government that prides itself as fighting corruption. For instance, who exchanged the President’s copy to the Senate with another one and why? Who was responsible for the observed increases of allocations to some Ministries, Departments and Agencies there after?
But the area that has attracted the most criticism by Nigerians is the government’s approach to the war on corruption. It appears that more of the war is on pages of newspapers and intimidation of suspects who ought to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
In recent times, ‘Arm-Gate,’ has made most of the headlines as the anti-corruption agency EFCC virtually relies on the accounts of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col Sambo Dasuki to publish names of opposition politicians and even professional bodies, as beneficiaries of a more than $2billion arm purchase vote. With proper probe, names like the Nigeria Guild of Editors, should not make the list.
The story round town is that some of those named have since made refunds, to avoid detention while others continue to insist on their innocence in the midst of all these, there are accusations as that court decisions granting bail to some suspects were being disobeyed or deliberately delayed to punish opposition politicians.
These are serious accusations that should worry the present Federal Government, considering the nature of democracy that brought it to power. If court orders can be violated, like that which granted bail to proprietor of the Pro-Biafra radio station, then, there is trouble. Sadly, President Buhari himself, faulted the judiciary when in an interview aired on national television, he described the action of the Biafra radio operator as treason, an end which is the exclusive right of the judiciary to proclaim. And assured he cannot be released on bail.
To succeed therefore, the APC government must revisit its campaign promises to Nigerians and see what it has achieved and can.
This is not what pre-election propagenda can resolve because Nigerians are no fools. Already, some have started counting their losses in votes cast wrongly.
This is not good for a political party that created and highlighted both real and imaginary dangers which if not given the chance to address could bring the country to its knees. The long delay in search for ready-made Ministers, the protracted newspaper-based war on corruption, the shaky Naira and the dwindling economy are issues that did not add-up with the nature of readiness APC promised Nigerians, if elected.
With nearly a year almost gone, the question is: can the APC government truly claim that it has indeed matched its campaign rhetoric with action? Which major promise can the party claim to have met or do so soon?
The Chibok girls rescue was to be achieved very soon once in government. And with what Obasanjo has said, will ‘soon’ ever be ‘soon’? When will APC look at its blueprint to pick and choose items to address for Nigerians to know government is working?
My Agony is that even the war against corruption which should endear the government to the people, is gradually losing its original popularity on account of the fact that it has worn the toga of a war on opponents.
Time is not the APC government’s friend. Because it is getting to the time when the people will hold them to account for unfulfilled promises.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Front Pix
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.