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Jonathan, Bastion Of Democracy, Peace In Nigeria -Leaders …OBJ, Buhari, Gowon, Abdulsalami, Others Converge At Book Launch … I Expected Buhari To Implement Confab Report -Jonathan
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday in Abuja said that Nigerians must not allow anti-democratic elements whom he refereed to as hooligans to have access to power, saying it would become a dangerous weapon in their hands.
Agreeing there was no alternative to democracy, he however said that there was every tendency that anti democratic elements would abuse it.
This came as former President Goodluck Jonathan revealed that the abduction of Chibok girls and lingering issue of Boko Haram were used against him in the 2015 election.
But President Muhammadu Buhari, former Heads of State, Generals Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) hailed Jonathan for conceding defeat in the election, saying it was one singular act of kindness that largely saved Nigeria from shedding blood.
The leaders spoke at a public presentation of a book titled “My Transition Hours” authored by Jonathan which captured the life and times of his government between 2010 and 2015.
The book launch attracted the presence of former Heads of State, Generals Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President of Ghana, John Mahama, former Presidents of Seirre Leone and Benin Republic, President of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, past and serving Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, former Ministers of the PDP, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomole, President of the African Development Bank, AfDB, Akwuwumi Adesina, former Speaker Ghali Umar N’Abba, former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Mr. Ibn Chambas, former Governor Anambra State and Vice Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor Jim Nwobodo, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State, the representatives of the diplomatic community in Nigeria, representatives of traditional institution in Nigeria and a host of other dignitaries.
Obasanjo who was the chairman of the book launch held at the Transcorp Hilton recalled that every democrat is faced with four seasons in his life.
According to him, there were times of euphoria arising from electoral victory and fame; and times of disappointment.
He however said that a leader must continue to serve his people at all times.
He also congratulated Jonathan on his 61st birthday.
Said Obasanjo: “The birthday boy. I congratulate you and we all congratulate ourselves for you. I thank you for making me the chair of the occasion. We must also congratulate you for enjoying a peaceful retirement. You have put your experience in the book. Let me also welcome you to the club of authors. From experience, there are four seasons for a democrat.
“The first is when you start campaign and you are going round and everything is going well and the election comes and you win. The second season is when you take up office and all is going well and then you have ups and downs and, of course, you came in with high popularity as you go on, the popularity starts to dwindle and you lose election. The beginning of the third season is it does not matter who you are. You would have list friends particularly the fair weather friends. When you leave office, you lose office and the fourth season is when you have weathered the storm and you start up again. If you have launched this book three years ago, you wouldn’t have mustered the crowd you have today.
We are enjoying that life. “We have residual responsibility to continue to serve people and God and that’s is the position you are in now. You and I have residual responsibility to serve the public. “But when all is said and done, there is still no substitute for democracy. It fosters peace and not conflict and violence. It builds and does not destroy. It unifies rather than divides. It does. But all these happen if only democracy stands as instrument in the hands of democrats.
“But we must avoid hooligans to have access to this dangerous weapon because they will abuse it.” Obasanjo while reiterating the role of Nigeria in African affairs also took time to acknowledge the presence of his former Vice and presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the forthcoming election.
“Nigeria has responsibility beyond its borders, for West Africa and the world. Our responsibility must go beyond our borders.
“I want to specially acknowledge the presence of my former Vice President”, he said. Also speaking at the event, President Muhammadu Buhari recalled the call former President Jonathan put across to him to congratulate him and subsequently conceded defeat.
The president said that history will judge his predecessor well.
The President also called on Nigerians to eschew rancour and bitterness especially as the 2019 elections drew bearer.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, the president made a joke of his campaign slogan that Nigeria was going to the next level.
But the joke met a swift resistance from the audience who shouted “Atiku, PDP, Let’s get our country working again”.
Said Buhari: “Your singular action of placing a call to me calmed all frayed nerves. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and I were parties to ensure that 2015 elections were violence-free. History has recorded your time. History will judge you well as a patriotic leader.
“I call on all to see elections as a contest based on principle, programmes that should uplift the nation. There is best level, there is only the next level. I charge you today to promote one Nigeria. You are a leader of the past, you are a leader of the now, be rest assured you are a leader of the present.”
In his goodwill message, Gen. Gowon thanked Jonathan for resisting voices that told him to hang onto power at the time, saying that it saved Nigeria a serious trouble.
“All the speeches made here today have been wonderful. What am I to add? Let me first congratulate you on your 61st birthday. What I want to say is that I remembered that the concern of everyone was how the election was going to go. It was serious. Then on the final day, the news came that Ebele Jonathan had conceded defeat and congratulated the winner. There was much jubilation. You did something that many people have not been able to do and you saved Nigeria from a serious trouble. May God bless you for that. Thank God for what you have done.
“Some of his party members were telling him to resist the result. But you accepted and saved Nigeria and Nigerians. I cannot add anymore to what others have spoken. What you had done had saved Nigeria and Nigerians would ever be grateful to you”, he said.
Speaking earlier, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) said that Nigeria would remain eternally grateful to Jonathan.
“On behalf of my wife, I congratulate President Jonathan. We cannot thank you enough for the peace we are having in the country through peaceful transition when you voluntarily and honourably conceded defeat. You have brought peace to this country. You became an example to Africa. You showed that you loved your country more than you love power. I wish you well.”
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo also eulogised his former boss, saying he had written his name in the sands of time.
“You have written your name in the sands of time. He has distinguished himself as a true patriot and leader and that is why we are gathered here today. Your Excellency, you are a great man.”, he said.
For the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, Nigeria’s finest hour was the time Jonathan conceded defeat.
“Let me on behalf of the Senate congratulate you. It was Nigeria’s finest hour in the African continent. As we all read the book, we all learn lessons. And we will not let it go down beyond our levels. Mr. President, the spirit of the book is what we should ensure. The spirit in the sense that no blood of any Nigerian is worth wasting. We will sustain the standard you have set”, he said.
Former Minister of Special Duties, Turaki Tanimu who spoke on behalf of former PDP Ministers Forum said that Jonathan made them proud.
“Today, we stand with our shoulders very high. In 2015, President Jonathan kept Nigeria together without fighting a war. Abdulsalami Abubakar returned Nigeria to path of democracy. President Obasanjo led the strong foundation for democracy. Those of us who served under the PDP are proud of PDP achievements for 16 years.”, he said.
Former Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State who also spoke for former PDP governors said that there were happy Nigerians had tasted two different governments and can now see the difference.
He asked Nigerians to vote out APC in the coming election.
In their separate remarks, former President of Ghana, John Mahama and former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Koroma said that Jonathan brought true leadership to Nigeria and Africa.
For the President of AfDB, Adesina who was a Minister of Agriculture under Jonathan, it was an honour to have the former President as a boss.
“I am proud of you. You will always be my boss. I would never have been President of AfDB without you. Goodluck Jonathan is a man of peace. You prevented us from going back to war. Your humility has transitioned you into greatness”, he said.
In his remarks, the author of the book, former President Jonathan said that the Chibok girls issue was used against him in the 2015 election.
The former President also condemned vote buying which he said had become scandalous in Nigeria, asking INEC to live up to expectations of Nigerians.
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party yesterday felicitated with former President Goodluck Jonathan as he marked his 61st birthday.
The party in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja, described Jonathan as “an icon of democracy.”
Ologbondiyan also described him as “pillar of contemporary Nigerian democracy whose patriotism and personal sacrifices ensured the unity, stability and corporate existence of our dear nation, particularly given the circumstances of the 2015 general elections.
“Dr Jonathan remains a true Nigerian leader whose administration is known, not only for good governance and landmark development projects across the nation, but also for the entrenchment of democratic values, rule of law, equity and justice.
“His administration was also known for respect for separation of power and constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens, as well as engendering harmonious coexistence of all interests in our nation.”
He stated that Jonathan demonstrated that the true essence of leadership and statesmanship was the application of the virtues, opportunities and authority therein for the good of others, rather than self.
“And because of that, our party and indeed Nigerians celebrate him.
“The PDP, therefore, joins family members, associates and well-wishers at large in celebrating Dr Jonathan as he attains this milestone.”
The party, according to Ologbondiyan, also prayed that God would continue to keep Jonathan in good health and sound mind “as he gives himself to the service of our dear fatherland.”
However, former President Goodluck Jonathan says he personally handed the report of the 2014 National Conference to his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari, with the hopes that he would implement the report.
Jonathan said rather than implement the report, Buhari went on to say he wanted the report to be confined to the dustbin of history.
The former President said this in his book titled, My Transition Hours, which was launched yesterday.
He said, “The President-elect took the National Conference report from me and I felt confident of it being used to chart the success of a better Nigeria. Two years after and faced with pressure from Nigerians to implement the conference report, it was widely reported that President Muhammadu Buhari said that the conference reports should be consigned to the dustbin of history.”
The former President also faulted Buhari’s claim that he would not implement the confab report because Jonathan decided to focus on the National Conference when he should have focused on the Academic Staff Union of Universities which was on strike.
Jonathan said contrary to Buhari’s claim, he did not ignore ASUU and in fact he was able to negotiate with the lecturers and got them to end their strike.
On why he didn’t personally implement the report of the conference despite having over seven months to do so, Jonathan said the crisis in the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives prevented him from doing so.
He said the then Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress and there was no way he would have been able to get his cooperation.
Jonathan added, “Those who say that my administration should have implemented the confab recommendations forget that I received the report a few months before the last general elections and at a time when the National Assembly was on break.
“Also, this was when the National Assembly was engulfed by so much tension and distrust. The Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, had led some members to defect to the APC, the then main opposition party. The Senate also suffered a number of defections.
“At the time the National Assembly was therefore not conducive to the health deliberations and consideration of such an important document.
“It was obvious that some members of the National Assembly and their collaborators were ready to shoot down anything that in their thinking would improve the image of my government.”
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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.