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Envy Not INEC …Beyond APC Registration
L-R: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Nurudeen Mohammed; Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe and Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja last Wednesday
Nigeria’s ultimate electoral umpire, Prof Attahiru Jega might have had the most peaceful sleep, last week Wednesday, July 31, 2013. It was the day the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shed the dangerous bone in its throat-the All Progressive Congress (APC), a merger of three opposition political parties. They are the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC.
Since June 12, when, the interim leadership of the merging parties submitted its request to shed their previous identities and merge into a single party, APC, there had been all colours of suspicion, intrigues, threats, false or true alarms, hope and fears. And when on July 1, 2013, INEC eventually replied the new party leadership with a request for more documents the rumour mill went hay wire, not to forget threats of public protests.
First accusation was that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was scared stiff of the emerging APC that it was influencing the INEC to deny it registration. It was even more so, when another political association also seeking registration, the African Peoples Congress (APC) challenged the intended registration of the All Progressive Congress (APC). The questions were: Should the merger be denied because the acronym APC sounds like the association also seeking registration? Should INEC refuse an APC merger when the three parties involved, ACN, ANPP and CPC were already full-fledged registered parties, in preference for an APC still awaiting registration.
Morally, the answers were clearly in favour of the merging APC but legally, there still were issues awaiting interpretation before a court of competent jurisdiction. It was in the middle of that, APC was registered last Wednesday by INEC amidst loud commendation for INEC by members of the merger.
Expectedly, INEC has in the past few days enjoyed the most opposition approval and praise. Infact, key opposition politicians like leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and former Lagos State Governor Bola Timibu, CPC leader Major-General Muhammadu Buhari and indeed the Progressive Governors Forum poured encomiums on INEC in ways never seen since 1999, with many describing it as responsible, unbiased and indeed patriotic.
Unfortunately, these are words that shift as quickly and often as Nigeria’s political pendulum, depending on which party or individual is at the receiving end. Infact, here in Nigeria a politician sees a political umpire as unbiased only when the outcome is favourable and biased when the opposite is fact.
In his re-election bid as Governor of Edo State, last year, Adams Oshiomhole virtually blackmailed both President Goodluck Jonathan and INEC to win. In weeks leading to the election, Oshiomhole sang Jonathan’s praise for his contribution to democracy by breaking away with the past, when, incumbent Presidents did everything to wrest power from opposition party-ruled states.
In near frequent public rallies Oshiomhole told the Edo electorate that Jonathan had assured Nigerians, and he believed him that the people’s vote would count. In same manner, he lavished encomiums on Jega, INEC chairman, describing him as a man of integrity, impartial umpire and indeed rare nationalist.
Even so, Oshiomhole did not take chances and caused early results to be announced even while, still praising the INEC and President Jonathan, and vilifying the ruling PDP to such extents that painted the picture that President Jonathan belonged to another party other than the ruling PDP.
When the elections ended and Oshiomhole was declared winner, he expressed total faith in INEC and commended Jonathan for keeping his promise to deepen democracy. Not too long after, Oshiomhole became the comrade governor that found the duo of INEC and Jonathan as dangers to democracy, over perceived delay by INEC in registering APC.
What of Buhari? A man who, so sure that Nigerians needed him as their President in 2011, but suspicious of the same INEC and the ruling party, threatened bloodbath and afterwards describing INEC as a ministry in the ruling government, is today praising the same electoral umpire’s neutrality, for summoning the courage to register APC against perceived fears of and opposition to the project by the PDP.
One lesson that must be learnt of Nigerian politics is that politicians speak the truth when it is favourable especially if it concerns institutions like INEC, the Judiciary and the Press, and cry blue murder when the tide ebbs against them.
For instance, Nigeria’s judiciary tasted the most lavish of praises, Thursday, July 25, 2013 when an Abuja High Court restrained the ruling PDP from further proceeding to conduct its planned special national convention slated for last Saturday August 3, 2013. The opposition described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man that seemed bent on checking the culture of impunity. It praised the courage of the court in standing for the truth and that way, helped to save the nation’s democracy.
Can anyone stop to imagine if an Abuja High Court had restrained INEC from registering APC the time it did? Would it not be blamed on PDP or the federal government? Is it normal, judging by history of African leaders to expect judicial statements unfavourable to the ‘throne’? Bottomline is that whatever the judiciary does, someone must describe as either great and gruesome and fair judgment or miscarriage of justice. Just like INEC.
This is why INEC and APC should savour the moment while it lasts. APC is happy, and rightly so, that it had its way and sees INEC as unbiased. This should be permanent, in good times and bad times, for better for worse. But the only way to ensure that, is for the opposition to develop a positive integer, aware that the fight to unseat a party that has been in power since 1999, will surely require more than one and half years and more than three, not too-successful opposition parties, to wish away.
It is even more so, when viewed from the facts that even with the merger of the three parties, the APC’s political fortunes still do not match the PDP, the APC’s biggest gamble being, that some key members of the ruling party, particularly governors, Senators and members of the House of Representatives may jump ship. That remains to be seen but the facts are clear that to PDP, APC remains codine.
With merger of ACN, ANPP and CPC, APC now parades 10 governors, with one other on individual basis. They are Kashim Shettima, Borno (ANPP), Adams Oshiomhole, Edo (ACN), Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti (ACN) and Babatunde Raji Fashola, Lagos (ACN).
The others are Tanko Almakura, Nassarawa, (CPC), Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun (ACN), Rauf Aregbosola, Osun (ACN), Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo (ACN), Ibrahim Geidam, Yobe (ANPP) and Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, Zamfara (ANPP) while, Rochas Okorocha, Imo State governor’s party, APGA’s total merger still remains shrouded in intra-party confusion.
Sadly, in 1999, the PDP which controlled only 21 states, today has 23 states, the federal capital, Abuja and the Presidency. This means, rather than making necessary inquests, the opposition has lost grounds. The merger of the three dominant opposition (not sure CPC fits) parties, it must be stressed, does not and should not be expected to translate into automatic victory. This is why positive integer is necessary: One that does not expect too much, accepts any outcome no matter how modest and not the over-estimation, the APC seems to be enjoying.
APC can only become a true alternative to PDP with a truly progressive, clear-cut, different ideology that clearly convinces the electorate of its service agenda, far different from the known; shed tribal garbs, ensure party discipline and internal democracy at the same time, to ensure harmonisation of various interests and individual ambitions, wear a national toga and most importantly, be ready to face and address the dangers of a marriage of strange-bed fellows which the new party, has inadvertently become.
How progressive for instance, should say a Tofa be perceived by the new ensemble after publicly opposing what June 12, represents and calling it, history, a complete departure from the progressives’ viewpoint? What of Buhari whose only reason to remain in partisan politics seems the Presidency? What of the like of Nuhu Ribadu who believes that the Presidency is the North’s in a merger, where, majority view must count, in this case, the ACN’s. Or is the ACN of the view that it is incapable of producing a national figure, popular enough to become President of Nigeria? What of plans to address the interests of possible fresh comers from other parties, including PDP vis-a-vis, ambitions of other party members, who through thick and thin had waited patiently till July 31, 2013 to actualise their dreams?
These are not very easy problems that can be solved in a year and half, and still remain strong enough to unsit a ruling party. But this is Nigeria where anything can happen.
My Agony is that the tune may change, from Great INEC to Biased INEC, Wonderful Judiciary to Corrupt Judiciary, and Patriotic Media to Partisan Press, if by 2015, after all the parties have rigged, (In Nigeria, none is innocent) and INEC gives judgment in disfavour of the opposition.
My prayer is that what the Lord has done for INEC…..should be permanent, so, an APC Praise shall endure.
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.