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2023: Reject Emi Lokan (It Is my turn) Embrace “Eyin Lokan” (Youth Turn); My Appeal To Nigerians, Especially The Young

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The Source
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By Olusegun Obasanjo

Happy New Year!

May all our national calamities disappear this year.

I am constrained to write this letter to all Nigerians, especially young Nigerians, friends of Nigeria globally as well as our development partners because of the gravity, responsibility and implications of the collective decision Nigerians, both young and old, will be making within the next two months.

The last seven and a half years have no doubt been eventful and stressful years for many Nigerians. We have moved from the frying pan to the fire and from the mountain top to the valley. Our leaders have done their best, but their best has turned out to be not the best for Nigeria and Nigerians at home and abroad. For most Nigerians, it was hell on earth.

Those of us who are alive should thank God for His mercies, brace ourselves for the remaining few months of this administration and pray and work very hard for an immediate better future – future of liberation, restoration and great hope and expectation.

We have had campaigners going up and down the country feeding us with what they mean and what they do not mean, what they understand and what they do not fully understand, what is possible and what is not possible, what is realistic and what is unrealistic, what is true and what is untrue. I believe that we need not be confused nor be gullible. Let us be cautious, not to be fooled again.

I have interacted with the major contestants and I find it interesting that, in one form or the other, each of them claims to want to do what I did during my Presidency and to take Nigeria back to where it was at the height of my Presidency and immediately after. I was pained that most of them do not realise that the Nigeria of today had been dragged down well below Nigeria of the beginning of my Presidency in June 1999.

Although at that time, Nigeria was in very bad shape and was tottering on the verge of collapse and break-up. Even then, Nigeria was not faced with the level of pervasive and mind-numbing insecurity, rudderless leadership, buoyed by mismanagement of diversity and pervasive corruption, bad economic policies resulting in extremes of poverty and massive unemployment and galloping inflation.

For these reasons, I kept pointing out to them that the instruments used in 1999 to 2007 and methodology used will grossly be inadequate for the perilous situation we now find ourselves in.

Without prejudice but with greatest respect to each individual with utmost regard for the best for Nigeria and all Nigerians and from my personal experience, all the major contestants claim to be my mentees. I will not deny such positions since I have worked with all of them directly and indirectly in government.

I have come to realise a number of factors in character, attributes and attitude that are necessary in the job of directing the affairs of Nigeria successfully and at a time like this. These characteristics or attributes are many but let us be mindful of some key ones together.

From interaction and experience, and as mentees as most of them claim, I will, without prejudice, fear or ill-will, make bold to say that there are four major factors to watch out for in a leader you will consider to hoist on yourself and on the rest of Nigerians in the coming election and they are what I call TVCP: Track record of ability and performance; Vision that is authentic, honest and realistic; Character and attributes of a lady and a gentleman who are children of God and obedient to God; and Physical and mental capability with soundness of mind as it is a very taxing and tasking assignment at the best of times and more so it is at the most difficult time that we are.

Emi Lokan, bad for Nigeria

Let me say straight away that ‘Emi Lokan’ (My turn) and ‘I have paid my dues’ are one and the same thing and are wrong attitude and mentality for the leadership of Nigeria now. They cannot form the new pedestal to reinvent and to invest in a new Nigeria based on an All-Nigeria Government for the liberation and restoration of Nigeria. Such a government must have representation from all sectors of our national life – public, private, civil society, professional, labour, employers, and the diaspora. The solution should be in ‘we’ and ‘us’ and not in ‘me’ and ‘I’.

Mind you, I reiterate that no human being is an angel let alone a Messiah, but there are elements of these attributes and on comparative basis and by measure of what we know of, and what some of us have experienced from the front-runners, we must assess judiciously and choose wisely.

If anybody claims he or she has anything to the contrary, it will be up to him or her to prove to us.

I pray not to be proved right again in the bad sense but rather to be proved right in the positive and glorious sense of Nigeria becoming what God had created it to be – a land of plenty and prosperity united for common purpose of inclusive society, common security, shared prosperity, equity, egalitarianism, justice, and equal stake in the Project Nigeria with leadership role of Nigeria for the black race and fair share of global division of labour.

Nepotism masqueraded as competence

One ridiculous point that has been touted to justify unjustifiable appointments and selections is ‘competence’. In truth and in reality, genuine competence can be found in any region or section of Nigeria through track record and performance if only people will honestly and sincerely look hard for people with such attainment and attribute. Most of us in good conscience can testify to competence when we see any anywhere. What is masqueraded as ‘competence’ is self-interest and nepotism.

We have a unique opportunity to correct ourselves by ourselves for the good of ourselves. Those who are preaching division, segregation, separation, and want to use diversity for their own self and selfish interest are enemies of the nation, no matter what else they may disguisedly profess or proclaim.

The Challenge Is For Nigerian Youth:

If we fall prey again, we will have ourselves to blame and no one can say how many more knocks Nigeria can take before it tips over. To be forewarned is to be fore-armed. Future is not emotion. I challenge the youth to arise. Let nobody pull wool over your eyes to divide you and/or segregate you to make you underlings. Nigerian youth, wherever they come from, North or South, East or West need education which is now denied to over 20 million children; Nigerian youth also need skills, empowerment, employment, reasonably good living conditions, welfare and well-being.

My dear young men and women, you must come together and bring about a truly meaningful change in your lives. If you fail, you have no one else to blame. Your present and future are in your hands to make or to mar. The future of Nigeria is in the same manner in your hands and literally so. If for any reason you fail to redeem yourself and your country, you will have lost the opportunity for good and you will have no one to blame but yourselves and posterity will not forgive you. Get up, get together, get going and get us to where we should be. And you, the youth, it is your time and your turn. ‘Eyin Lokan’ (Your turn).

The power to change is in your hands. Your future, my future, the future of grandchildren and great grandchildren is in your hands. Politics and elections are numbers game. You have the numbers, get up, stand up and make your numbers count.

Let me say it again, loud and clear, Nigeria has no business with insecurity, poverty, insurgency, banditry, unemployment, hunger, debt, division and disunity. We are in these situations because advertently or inadvertently, our leaders have made the choices. They have done the best they could do. Let them take their rest deservedly or not and let them enjoy their retirement as Septuagenarians or older.

I became Head of State at 39 and at 42, I had retired into the farm. When it was considered necessary, I was drafted back into active political life after twenty years of interregnum. I came back at 62 and by 70, I was on my way out. Others like General Gowon and Enahoro became national leaders at 33 and 27 respectively and General Gowon at the helms of leadership of Nigeria at the highest level.

The vigour, energy, agility, dynamism and outreach that the job of leadership of Nigeria requires at the very top may not be provided as a septuagenarian or older. I know that from personal experience. And it is glaring out of our current experiences. Otherwise, we will be fed with, “The President says” and we will neither see nor hear him directly as we should.

Yes, for some, age and physical and mental disposition are not in tandem. But where and when they are with obvious evidence, they must be taken into account for purpose of reality. And yet it is a job in our present situation where the team leader or captain of the team should be up and doing, outgoing inside and outside and speaking to the nation on almost daily basis visibly and as much as possible interactively and meeting his colleagues all over the world on behalf of Nigeria.

Youth of Nigeria, your time has come, and it is now and please grasp it. If not now, it will be never. I appeal to you to turn the tide on its head and march forward chanting ‘Awa Lokan’ (Our turn) not with a sense of entitlement, but with a demonstrable ideological commitment to unity and transformation of Nigeria.

Leave The Past, Face The Future:

Can we let the past go? I appeal to the young Nigerians to stop inheriting other people’s prejudices and enemies. Make your own friends and stop inheriting your father’s enemies. Let’s stop criminalizing and demonizing one another on the basis of the civil war on which we are all wrong.

And let’s praise and thank God for preserving the oneness of Nigeria. The Scripture says that if God would take account of all our wrongdoings, nobody would be able to stand before Him. While not suffering from amnesia, let us stop still fighting and reacting to the civil war in our hearts, minds, heads and our attitude acrimoniously. Let’s stop living on our different wrongs or mistakes of the past: treasonable felony, Tiv riot and its handling, first military coup and its aftermath, second military coup, araba, pogrom and the civil war, all in the 1960s.

And more recently OPC, Egbesu, MASSOB, IPOB, Boko Haram and banditry.

No region can claim to be innocent or to be saintly. And no justification will suffice. In our respective individual or regional positions, we have done right and we have done wrong. It is therefore not right for any of us to be sanctimonious to see ourselves as saints and the rest as devils incarnate.

Just let us agree to move forward together in mutual forgiveness, one accord, inclusive society, equality and equity. Together and without bias and discrimination, fear or favour, we can have Nigeria of one nation in diversity, in truth and in practice. Let us honour, cherish, respect and even celebrate our diversity which is the basis of our potential greatness and strength. If we will only continue to harp on wrongs done by each of us individually or collectively, we will never be able to stand together.

If we will continue with wide brush to paint a national or sub-national group as bad and never to be trusted with leadership because of past error or mistakes that some of them were responsible for and treat their offspring as inheritors, it will amount to great injustice that will surely lead to no peace, no security and no stability for development and progress.

First, no group is faultless; second, for the greatness of the whole, we need one another as constituents of the whole; third, we cannot be talking and working for Africa’s integration and for Nigeria’s disintegration at the same time. Why for instance should I be stigmatized or despised because of my place of origin, place of birth or where I come from? Where I was born, by whom I was born and when I was born were not choices made by me. They were choices and prerogatives of God.

Any antagonism against me on that basis is unfair and is tantamount to fighting against God, the Creator. Such derogatory attitude and mindset do not build any human institution let alone a nation. While not forgetting the past, let us put the past behind us for it not to continue to mar our present and our future and that of the coming generation.

We must rise above primordial animalistic instincts and behaviour. Yes, we are human and higher than animals in the wild. Let us develop national ethos and national characteristics that can take us collectively to the promised.

Only Two Tribes In Nigeria

My dear young men and women, let me assure you that there are only two tribes of people in Nigeria a tribe of good people and a tribe of bad people. You are either a good Nigerian of Igbo extraction, Kanuri extraction, etc, or a bad Nigerian of Yoruba extraction, Ijaw extraction etc.

I will at this juncture want to commend the politicians as they have generally been reasonably civil in their campaigns without making politics as a call to war against opponents. Genuine and fair competition conveys greater legitimacy in any political rivalry or competition.

A situation where people in authority and power assume such positions through foul and despicable means and continue to espouse and act in ways that only engender conflict or war by subverting legitimacy of power and authority does not augur well for the polity and as such, the moral foundation of the government and the society will be terribly weakened.

May God help, save, protect and sustain Nigeria for all Nigerians, for Africa and for the human race. We can only continue to play politics of ethnicity, religion, region and money bags at the peril of our country and to self-destruction. We need selfless, courageous, honest, patriotic, in short, outstanding leadership with character and fear of God beyond what we have had in recent past.

No Contestant Is A Saint, But Obi Is Our Best Option

None of the contestants is a saint but when one compares their character, antecedent, their understanding, knowledge, discipline and vitality that they can bring to bear and the great efforts required to stay focused on the job particularly looking at where the country is today and with the experience on the job that I personally had, Peter Obi as a mentee has an edge.

Others like all of us have what they can contribute to the new dispensation to liberation, restoration and salvaging of Nigeria collectively. One other important point to make about Peter is that he is a needle with thread attached to it from North and South and he may not get lost. In other words, he has people who can pull his ears, if and when necessary. Needless to say that he has a young and able running mate with clean track record of achievement both in public and private life.

In conclusion, I want to bring to our remembrance part of the great speech that Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa made on October 7, 1960, on the occasion of Nigeria being admitted as the 99th member of the United Nations: “Cooperation is for each man to be true to his religious belief and to reaffirm the basic principles of his particular creed.

It may be that, when we hear the world crying out for peace, we may receive the inspiration to deal with these intractable problems and be able to really devote all our resources to the advancement of mankind by applying those eternal truths which will inevitably persist long after we ourselves are utterly forgotten”.

The Tafawa Balewas are gone. But the eternal truths inevitably remain and persist that cooperation, friendship, justice, equity, love and fear of God which are hallmarks of the three religions practised in this country are the basis of our full and fulfilled lives and living as Nigerians. In faith as Nigerians, we must pray and relate with God as it depends on Him and at the same time, in faith also we must work as it depends on us. Then we will win.

May God continue to help us individually and collectively.

Obasanjo is a former Nigerian Head of State and  two- term President

Bolanle: Family Authorises NBA To Sue For Compensation; Angry NBA Raises 9-Man For Case

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Bolanle Raheem - Lawyer - KIlled By Policeman

By Adesina Soyooye

The family of Lagos Lawyer, Bolanle Raheem who was inexplicably shot dead on 25th December 2022, by a Police Officer, has given the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, permission to sue for compensation.

The same permission has also been given to the Association by the family of  Gafaru Buraimoh, another Lawyer, by his family.

Before the permission, the NBA had hinted it would sue for, at least, the sum of N500m over Bolanle’s killing.

Bolanle, whose result of autopsy was expected on Saturday, was shot dead at the Ajah roundabout Lagos. She was shot on the chest by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Drambi Vandi, before her husband who was driving, her six-year old daughter, her sister, cousin and niece. They had gone to Christmas Service, stopped-by to buy pizza, and was on their way home when the tragic incident happened.

She was four months pregnant with twin babies when she was killed.

ASP Vandi was arrested, and has been suspended by the Police Service Commission.

On his first appearance at a Magistrate’s Court a few days ago, Vandi was remanded in Prison custody till January 30, 2023, pending the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP.

In an update, the NBA said the nine-member Legal Team will be headed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,  Mrs Titilayo Akinlawon.

The NBA demanded that the names of the killer- Cops who killed Gafari on 7th December 2022, be made public.

The Update said: “The NBA notes with concern that since Gafaru was killed in Ajah on 7/12/2022, the Police authorities have refused to disclose the identity of the Police Officer(s) suspected to have been responsible for Gafaru’s death.

The NBA’s statement was signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Habeeb Lawal. The autopsy was conducted at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH.

Following,  the full text of the statement by the NBA.

AN OFFICIAL UPDATE

RE: THE KILLING OF MRS OMOBOLANLE RAHEEM:

NBA CONSTITUTES ADHOC* COMMITTEE; COMMITTEE TO ALSO HANDLE THE MURDER AND CIVIL CASES OF OMOBOLANLE RAHEEM AND GAFARU BURAIMOH.

“1. Since the barbaric and inexcusable murder of our member, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem by ASP Drambi Vandhi of the Nigerian Police Force on 25/12/2022, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has taken some steps in respect of which we now provide this update to our members and Nigerians. .

“2. We start by acknowledging that nothing we do will ever be enough to bring back our late member, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem. We however believe that our strong and unwavering pursuit of justice in this case may mean that another Nigerian will not have to lose his or her life in the illegal, unlawful and unjust manner that Omobolanle’s life was taken.

  1. On 26/12/2022, the NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, established an open line of communication with Police authorities over this incident. This communication line has remained open and it has enabled us to track the investigation process and the internal disciplinary procedure of the Nigerian Police. In this regard, we are able to report that on Thursday, 29/12/2022, the Police Service Commission suspended ASP Drambi Vandhi from the Police Force over this incident.

“4. Furthermore, on 30/12/2022, the Attorney General of Lagos State filed a one count charge of murder at the Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court against ASP Drambi Vandhi under the remand procedure of Lagos State. Consequent upon the charge, the court ordered that ASP Drambi Vandhi be remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the charge was adjourned to 30/1/2023 for review of the remand order and DPP’s advice.

“5. On the instruction of the NBA President, the First Vice President of the NBA, Mrs Linda Rose Bala was in Lagos to meet with the Honourable Attorney General (HAG) of Lagos State on the same 30/12/2022. The HAG pledged the resolve of the Lagos State Government to ensure quick justice in respect of the case. The NBA therefore expects that the legal advice will be ready soon enough and the Lagos State Government shall in no distant time file information against ASP Drambi Vandhi at the High Court of Lagos State.

“6.The NBA was represented at the post mortem examination carried out on our late member, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital on 30/12/2022. A preliminary report of the exercise is expected today, 31/12/2022. The NBA hopes that the report shall further aid the process of prosecution.

“7. In spite of our evident and passionate interest in this case, we reasonably appreciate that the family of Mrs Omobolanle Raheem must first be consulted on some of the actions we may wish to take, particularly as it relates to taking out a civil action and claiming damages on behalf of the family of our late member. For this reason and for the purpose of condoling with the family, the NBA President directed the First Vice President, Mrs. Linda Rose Bala, to lead a team to meet with the family of late Mrs Omobolanle Raheem. The team paid the visit on the family on Friday, 30/12/2022 and the family has agreed for the NBA to act on its behalf in respect of this case.

“8. It is, therefore, pertinent to state that the NBA had not, prior to this meeting on 30/12/2022, engaged or had any form of discussion on the institution of any action on behalf of the family of the deceased. Also, as of the date of that meeting, the NBA had neither briefed anyone to file a suit nor claimed damages of any amount on behalf of the NBA and/or the family of late Mrs Omoblanle Raheem.

“9. Recall that in our statement of 26/12/2022, the NBA vowed to also ensure justice in the case of Gafaru Buraimoh, a citizen who was killed by policemen attached to the notorious Ajiwe Police Station in similar circumstance as the late Omobolanle Raheem. The NBA President directed the NBA First Vice President to meet with the family of late Gafaru. The NBA Team paid the visit to the family on the same Friday, 30/12/2022 and late Gafaru’s family has requested that the NBA takes up Gafaru’s case. The Team also extended NBA’s condolences to the family.

  1. The NBA notes with concern that since Gafaru was killed in Ajah on 7/12/2022, the police authorities have refused to disclose the identity of the police officer (s) suspected to have been responsible for Gafaru’s death. The NBA has therefore demanded that the Nigerian Police officially and immediately disclose to Nigerians the name(s) of the suspected murderer(s) of citizen – Gafaru Buraimoh. This is the first responsible thing to do!
  1. Finally, in order to consolidate on all the steps that have so far been taken and to ensure that our efforts are concerted, the NBA President has now constituted the Team earlier announced in respect of this incident on 26/12/2022 into an Adhoc Committee of the NBA. The Committee comprises the following members:

*i. Mrs. Titilola Akinlawon, SAN – Chairperson

*ii. Charles Ajiboye (National Assistant Publicity Secretary) – Member

*iii. Ikechukwu Uwanna (Chairman, Lagos Branch) – Member

*iv. Seyi Olawunmi (Chairman, Ikeja Branch) – Member

*v. Olalekan Thanni (Chairman, Ikorodu Branch) – Member

*vi. M.A. Sodipo (Chairman, Badagry Branch) – Member

vii. Omotayo Omosehin (Chairman, Epe Branch) – Member

*viii. Oladotun Hassan (Secretary, Epe Branch) – Member

*ix. Mrs. Abiye Tam-George (Vice Chairman, Lagos Branch) – Secretary

*12.     The Committee’s terms of reference are as follows:

  1. To continue to interface with the families of of late Omobolanle Raheem, and Gafaru Buraimoh, the police and the office of HAG, Lagos State over the incidents and cases until the conclusion of prosecution in the respective cases;
  1. To hold watching brief on behalf of the NBA in the course of the prosecutions of ASP Drambi Vandhi and the perpetrator(s) of the death of Gafaru Buraimoh and render periodic reports;

iii. To file civil suits on behalf of the families of late Omobolanle Raheem and Gafaru Buraimoh and do all that is necessary to obtain reasonable compensation for the respective families;

  1. To collaborate with the NBA-Human Rights Institute to develop a capacity training program for the police on respect for human rights to be implemented jointly by the NBA, the Nigerian Police Force and the Police Service Commission;
  1. To handle all other issues incidental to ensuring justice in the murder cases of Omobolanle Raheem and Gafaru Buraimoh.
  1. The NBA President thanks all NBA members and Nigerians for their genuine interest and commitment to this cause.

The killing of Bolanle Raheem sparked a national outrage. Nigerians are looking forward to the prosecution of the kilker-Cop.

Buhari Has Rekindled Hope For A Credible Election – CNPP

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The Source
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Chief Willy Ezugwu

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has renewed hope for free, fair and credible elections this year with his recent warning, charging security agencies to maintain a high sense of professionalism and desist from behaviour that would bring disrepute to the service as well as his new year message urging Nigerians to resist attempts by politicians to disrupt the 2023 general elections.

The CNPP, in a new year message signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, noted that “a successful transition to a new administration will only be possible if all stakeholders ensure the credibility of the forthcoming general elections.”

According to the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria, “without the neutrality of all security agencies and the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the dream of a smooth transition to the next administration on May 29, 2023 will be a mirage.

“President Muhammadu Buhari was clearly on point when he disclosed last Wednesday that he has charged security agencies to do away with anything that will soil the nation’s democratic process, saying that “Under no circumstances should they get involved in anything that could compromise the democratic process, or bring disrepute to their institutions and to Nigeria”, the President said.

“The CNPP stands with President Buhari on the professional neutrality of security agencies in the forthcoming general elections, particularly the presidential and National Assembly elections.

“For the fact that these elections are coming first, in February this year, both security agencies and INEC have the patriotic duty to ensure that the elections were held without violence and undue interference from politicians, their agents, and the enemies of our democracy.

“We also stand with President Buhari on his charge to Nigerians to resist attempts by politicians to disrupt the forthcoming polls.

“His new year message is indeed valedictory and his words suitable for the season as electing credible leaders will be the begging of solving Nigeria’s numerous economic and security problems.

“Nigeria cannot afford to have a new crop of corrupt politicians and their cronies take over the country’s leadership at every level.

“For this reason, we specially charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to ensure that all efforts by politicians to buy votes during the scheduled general elections, beginning from February, were unsuccessful in line with the presidential directive to all security agencies to ensure free, fair and credible elections this year”, the CNPP stated.

Archbishop Kaigama Condemns Empty Promises

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The Source
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Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has condemned politicians who are in the habit of making empty and impossible promises to the electorate.

The revered Clergyman  warned, especially, Presidential Candidates jostling to take over the saddle from outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari not to deceive Nigerians with vague and impossible promises.

Kaigama, setting an agenda for the Presidential Candidates that include;  BolaTinubu All Progressives Congress, APC, Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; Peter Obi, Labour Party, LP,  and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, said they should prioritize the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons, rebuilding of terrorised communities and confronting the security challenges as the country squares up for the election in 2023.

In a New Year message, Kaigama said; “Our prayer during this year is that peace will flow like a river and social progress, human solidarity and development will characterize all of 2023. Politicians who are on the campaign trail now should do so without hatred, bitterness, incitement or misinformation. They should exercise caution that they do not make wild and unrealistic campaign promises that deep in their hearts they know are not workable.

“Christians, Muslims, African traditional religionists and others are the ones to choose the next President of Nigeria. We should set our eyes and attention only on the leaders who are ready to tackle the culture of hostility, violence, banditry, kidnapping, religious persecution, poverty, and unemployment; failure to see that sensitive and core appointments be spread fairly to those very well qualified in the different geo-political zones.

“The determination to confront insecurity must be given priority in the agenda of those seeking to be elected. They must have the will to unveil those behind brutal attacks and murders such as killers of the no fewer than 38 people killed in separate attacks in Malagum 1 and Sokwong villages of Kagoro Chiefdom in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State or as in Zamfara State, where recently scores of people and some Nigerian Army personnel were feared killed following an ambush by armed terrorists or the killing of a Lagos-based legal practitioner, Omobolanle Raheem, by a police trigger-happy police officer.

“The resettlement of internally displaced persons as well as the rebuilding of terrorized communities where homes, hospitals, churches, mosques and schools have been destroyed should also get prime attention. There must be a deliberate pursuit of integration, bringing all people together in harmony that ensures freedom for all to create an inclusive mindset by recognizing the ethnic, tribal, regional and religious diversity of our nation.

“There must be proper management of our diversity and plurality; building community, creating more trust among all people in Nigeria. There is a very urgent need to address the issue of poverty whereby according to official statistics, 133 million Nigerians out of an estimated 206 million live below the poverty line.

“With gratitude to God and confident optimism we pray that in the year 2023, our expectations as individuals and as a nation will be met. This poem I heard from a little child is apt as we ride into the New Year: “In happy moments praise God, in difficult moments seek God, in quiet moments worship God, in painful moments trust God and in every moment thank God.”

“While we believe that our loving God will do things for us, we need however to do our part with great zeal and determination, the type demonstrated during the FIFA World Cup recently concluded in Qatar. The members of the teams gave their all, especially in the finals. After a full game and extra time, they went into penalty shootouts. In the end, one team won the cup and the other took the second position. In life, sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. The capacity to carry on with equanimity and to cope positively even when we come face to face with frustrations, failures or disappointments is needed.

“Failure is not necessarily a bad thing, it is a challenge to try again and to keep applying ourselves until victory is achieved. We have experienced God’s generosity in very practical ways in 2022. We have survived an ever-worsening climate of fear and uncertainty in a time when the helplessness of government saw non-state actors unconscionably stake a claim for our lives, our property and our freedoms.

We have lived with and survived a culture of kidnapping, hostage-taking and mindless murder. It is still not yet over though as the drama still plays on. The Kaduna deadly train attack in March and the agonizing months the abducted passengers spent in the hands of armed men left us all traumatised. The daring Kuje prison attack by Boko Haram and precipitated secessionist rallies left all of us begging for answers.

The advisory given by some foreign embassies on the risk of travel to Nigeria and the subsequent arrest of suspected terrorists in October left us reeling in fear. The volatile situation in the South-East in a bid to enforce an unlawful lockdown has made life in that part of the country difficult. During the same period, our nation has grappled with a dwindling economy and the worst type of inflation with far-reaching consequences on our social life.

“Everyone, both those in government and the governed, suddenly all needed the grace of God to survive and outlive 2022. And yet we are here today just because God has brought us thus far.

Surrounded by so much bad news and associated with some of the worst scenarios, our people are in dire need of anything that can inspire some hope.

“Together – both people and government, we must sincerely work towards that change that brings hope. For the government and people entrusted with leadership at all levels, the New Year beckons on all to place people in the centre of both politicking and governance by ensuring safety and security, reconciling all the fragmented parts of the nation and providing an enabling environment for the economy to thrive again as a precondition for remedying the worsening problem of poverty and living crisis for most Nigerians.

“While we acknowledge with delight the recent heightening of the tempo of the war against non-state actors and the encouraging results that have brought, we urge the authorities to sustain these measures and do everything imaginable to secure every part of the country and ensure an auspicious climate for the coming elections.

“However, no matter how much the use of arms has achieved, we must not forget that honest dialogue can also be a veritable tool for collectively building a Nigeria of our dreams that looks after all. That spirit of dialogue should govern the current political campaigns towards the 2023 elections and above all ensure fair play and respect for the opinion of the people when eventually expressed when the ballot is cast.

“Having faced multidimensional challenges, we in our nation in this time of democratic transition must all keep in mind the fact that our Lord makes demands of us to fulfil our civic responsibilities. He charges us to “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God” (Mark 12:17). We have a duty to come out, each one of us, with a Permanent Voters Card, queue up at our polling units, conduct ourselves peacefully and orderly, get accredited and cast our votes during the 2023 general elections.

“As for the choice of political parties and candidates to vote for, we should be guided by the counsel of St. Paul, which says: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

“In choosing who to vote, let your head and your heart guide you, not your stomach and your pocket!

“We have already seen that without solidarity, we have no chance against poverty, diseases, natural disasters, unemployment, ignorance, terrorism, insurgency and other forms of insecurity. So, let us embrace sincere dialogue and work in solidarity with all people of goodwill for a better country.

“Dear brothers and sisters, none of us should be ignorant of the demands and challenges of our time, amidst the deaths caused by human and natural reasons, insecurity, displacements, floods, economic hardships and the attendant harsh realities in our country.”

We Can’t Lose Sleep Over Obasanjo’s  Endorsement Of Peter Obi – APC Presidential Campaign Organization

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Olusegun Obasanjo and Peter Obi

By Ayodele Oni

All Progressive Congress (APC)  Presidential campaign Organization, has mocked the endorsement of Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party (LP), by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing it as valueless.

Bayo Onanuga, Director of Publicity said in a statement that: “We read with amusement the endorsement of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his New Year message on Sunday.

“Following calls by Journalists from various media houses who asked for our reaction we decided to make this preliminary statement, though we didn’t consider the so-called endorsement to be of any value.

“We respect the democratic right of former President Obasanjo to support and endorse any candidate of his choice in any election.

“Except that he made it known formally in his new year message, any discerning political watcher in Nigeria knows that Chief Obasanjo’s  preference for Peter Obi is expected.

“He  had earlier stated his position at various public events, the last being at the 70th birthday anniversary  of Chief John Nwodo, former President of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Enugu.

“We make bold to say that our party and candidate, Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will not lose sleep over Obasanjo’s move, as Obasanjo is notorious for always opposing progressive political forces, as he did against MKO Abiola in 1993.

“The endorsement is actually worthless because the former President does not possess any political goodwill or leverage anywhere in Nigeria to make anyone win a Councillorship election let alone win a Presidential election.  He is a political paperweight.

“He is also not a democrat anyone should be proud to be associated with.

“We recall that in 2003 and 2007 general elections when he was a sitting President, Obasanjo used all the coercive instruments of State at his disposal to railroad people into elective offices against the will of Nigerians as expressed at the polls.

“In 2007, he declared the polls a do or die affair after he failed in his bid to amend our constitution to have a third term.

“From our records,  President Obasanjo has not successfully made anyone win election in Nigeria since then.

“Not even in Ogun State can anyone rely on his support or endorsement to become a governor or Councillor.

“We pity Peter Gregory Obi as we are confident that Chief Obasanjo can not win his polling unit and ward in Abeokuta for Obi in the coming Presidential election on 25 February, 2023.

“Chief Obasanjo’s endorsement is not a political currency Mr. Peter Obi can spend anywhere in Nigeria because he is not a political force, even in his part of the country.

“Chief Obasanjo similarly endorsed Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party candidate in 2019 against President Muhammadu Buhari. Atiku was walloped by Buhari with a wide margin in the  election.

“History will repeat itself in February as our candidate Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu will equally beat Obi by a large margin.

“We take a particular notice of the part of the endorsement statement where Chief Obasanjo said none  of the presidential candidates is a Saint.

“We want to state here that Chief Obasanjo is not a good judge of character. He is a man who considers only himself as the all-knowing Saint in Nigeria.

“Over the years, Chief Obasanjo has also convinced himself that integrity, honesty and all good virtues begin and end with him.”

New Year Message: Nigeria’s Must Choose Their Own Leader – Buhari; Says 2023 Critical

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Muhammadu Buhari

By Akinwale Kasali

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Year 2023 is critical to the development and growth of the nation as it would witness a transition in Government.

In achieving a successful transition after eight years in the saddle, President Buhari again promised Nigerians a free, fair and credible election, saying that the electorates should be relaxed and have confidence in the electoral process.

In his New Year Message released on Saturday, the President also gave a personal commitment that he would ensure that the elections were free and fair, noting that Nigerians would decide their next leaders. He said Nigerians must resist being used by politicians to cause unrest and that there would be consequences for any breach of peace during the elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission fixed February 25 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections while Governorship and state Assembly elections  are scheduled for March 11.

In the message, which he described as valedictory, the President stated: “After having the honour of serving you, my compatriots, for the last seven-plus years, my tenure as your President in the most revered tradition of our ongoing and maturing democracy must necessarily come to an end.

“In the next five months, we would have gone to the polls and elected a new president along with new governors and a plethora of other elected officials at both the national and state levels. All these electoral and democratic principles are working in concert because of the transcendent beliefs, beyond partisan politics, of you, the great citizens of Nigeria.

“In addition is my personal commitment and executive promise to see to the letter that the 2023 elections being diligently conducted by INEC will be free and fair. The collective electoral will and votes of Nigerians will be fulfilled, even in the twilight moments of my watch.”

“In year 2023, Nigerians go to the polls to exercise our right to vote and elect a new administration. It is an important year for our country to ensure that we have another smooth transition of government, to whoever the people have decided upon. This administration’s landmark Amended Electoral Act will ensure that we have free and fair elections across the nation.”

The Daura, Katsina State born President Urged Nigerians to take responsibility by ensuring that the elections were free and fair by not engaging and shunning acts that could affect the polls. “We must also resist every attempt to be used by politicians to create unrest in any form to disrupt the elections. We, as government, will ensure such activities are met with the full force of the law,” he added.

Speaking further, he appealed to Nigerians to assist security agencies with intelligence, noting that security is a collective responsibility. He said with the successes recorded in the North-East, internally displaced persons were being resettled in their homes while progress was being made in the North-West and other regions. He added that police reform programme based on a new presidential vision for Policing in Nigeria was ongoing.

As regards the economy, the President said his regime was focused on building on the Gross Domestic Product and sustaining the huge surge in the non-oil GDP growth. He promised the nationwide implementation of the Start-Up Act, which he said would boost job creation and reduce unemployment given that youths were the country’s most valuable natural resource.

He added, “The year 2023 would, indeed, be a time when we would work to solidify on delivering key strategic priorities under our SEA (Security, Economy and Anti-Corruption) Agenda. Our security forces are working in partnership to ensure the wins we have got in the war against insurgency, banditry, secession and other crimes are sustained and more wins acquired.

“For the economy, the ongoing infrastructure revolution by our administration will see us deliver the key projects across the nation in power, rail, roads, ports and technology. We as a government are committed to ridding our nation of all forms of corruption, through the collaboration with all the arms of government to effectively prosecute this fight.”

Obasanjo Endorses Peter Obi For 2023 Presidency

By
The Source
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0
Olusegun Obasanjo and Peter Obi

President Olusegun Obasanjo has, officially, endorsed Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party for the Presidential seat in 2023.

Obasanjo, a former President, in endorsing Obi said the LP Candidate stands head and shoulders above the other Presidential candidates.

Obasanjo endorsed Obi in his New Year message to Nigerians, which he personally signed, and released on Sunday.

Obasanjo, had,  from behind, been supporting Obi. But in his New Year message to Nigerians, he officially endorsed Obi.

Obi has the edge over every other candidate in the race, saying the CAN has people to call him to order when there is the need for that.

Said the candidate: “None of the contestants is a saint but when one compares their character, antecedent, their understanding, knowledge, discipline and vitality that they can bring to bear and the great efforts required to stay focused on the job particularly looking at where the country is today and with the experience on the job that I personally had, Peter Obi as a mentee has an edge.

“Others, like all of us, have what they can contribute to the new dispensation to liberation, restoration and salvaging of Nigeria collectively.

“One other important point to make about Peter is that he is a needle with thread attached to it from North and South and he may not get lost.

“In other words, he has people who can pull his ears, if and when necessary. Needless to say that he has a young and able running mate with clean track record of achievement both in public and private life.”

2023 General Elections: NBA President Cautions Lawyers Against Unprofessionalism

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau - NBA Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

President of the Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, SAN has charged lawyers in the country to live above board, as the general elections draw nearer.

In his new year message to the learned colleagues,  Maikyau pointed out that their actions and inactions could mar the entire process, hence the need for caution.

He stated that “2023 is a momentous year in our country, with the general elections coming up on 25 February and 11 March, 2023 respectively.

“As lawyers, we must remember that we have very important roles to play in determining the outcomes of these elections; either as voters alongside other Nigerians, or as counsel advising the political parties and candidates, or in handling the cases that may arise from the elections.

“Consequently, we owe Nigerians sincere and honest participation in all the stages of the electoral process. We also owe ourselves the duty to preserve the legal space for the next generation of lawyers.

“For this reason, we must shun all forms of unprofessional and unethical practices that may cast the legal profession in bad light and undermine our place in the society.

“We also have an obligation to the younger members of the profession; the duty of deliberate and sincere mentorship – which is the only way the ideal legal profession will abide to next generations.

“As we interact with fellow Nigerians at all levels, we must always bear in mind that our primary call is to ensure that justice is done in all circumstances irrespective of who is involved.

“Therefore, Justice, and not remuneration for service, must remain our primary motivation in all we do; we are Ministers in the Temple of Justice, and it is to Justice that we owe our primary allegiance.

“In this new year, we must commit individually and collectively to the protection and preservation of the integrity and independence of the Judiciary and the Bar.

“We must fervently promote the rule of law in our Country, so that when this year comes to an end we can look back with pride and fulfilment, knowing that the privilege of the gift of 2023 was judiciously and purposefully used.

“We remain committed to our promises to the Bar and the people of Nigeria, not the least of which is the pursuit of justice for our beloved Mobolanle Raheem and Gafaru Buraimoh (both of blessed memory) whose lives were cut short by the senseless and barbaric acts of persons who had the duty to protect them.

“As we continue to pray for God’s comfort for their families and loved ones, we must allow our humanity to find expression in our daily interactions and refuse to be numb and insensitive to the unfortunate bloodshed that appears to be our daily experience in different parts of the Country.

Once again, I wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.”

“I Remain Accountable, Responsive To Osun People”

By
The Source
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Ademola Adeleke

By Ademola Adeleke

My good people of Osun State, it is with a high sense of gratitude, hope and commitment that I address you this morning.

The last one year has been very eventful in the life of our State. We have passed through many developments. We have concluded a major election that ushered in a new Government under my leadership.

Our State transited from one political party to a different political party and also from one Government to a Government by, and for the people.

Despite the tension and anxiety, our State gallantly emerged stronger with your support and goodwill. I put on record my deep appreciation to you, our people, for your strong support for my political party and I during those struggling days.

I promise to remain responsive and accountable to you all as we move to reposition our state for greater height.

In the last one month, our administration has laid a strong foundation for sustainable governance of our state. I opened up State finance to the public in the spirit of accountability. I am reforming several sectors to block revenue leakages and stop diversion of state assets. The repositioning of the civil service for professionalism is also ongoing. Urgent state matters are being attended to with a view to restore normalcy and bring our people together for good governance.

Our administration has created a strong working relationship among the three arms of Government. We have forged a common understanding to put the interest of the state at the forefront of everything we do. Combined effort, mutual support and impactful governance are hallmarks that have been accepted by all as a path to progress, in the best interest of the state.

Within the same one month, our administration is focused on delivering on its first 100 days in office programme. I have visited several schools, health centres and other public infrastructures. These inspections have strengthened our pre-election data.

We are poised to deliver on our first 100 days in office programme, which covers areas such as water provision, rehabilitation of schools and health centres, rehabilitation of roads and delivery of tech innovations for the digital economy.

My good people of Osun State, our administration has a rolling plan of 100 days, six months, one year followed by deliverables in subsequent years. I have also put in place a monitoring and evaluation team.

By the end of the first 100 days in office, we will be hosting the maiden edition of our public accountability forum titled ‘Ipade Imole’. We will meet you, the good people of Osun State, and keep you informed about the journey so far.

Permit me to use this occasion to seek the full support of Osun indigenes, home and abroad. Our administration is committed to ensure people-based development. Our vision is to enthrone tech-based agro-industrial growth in our State. We plan to address the infrastructure deficit with a cost effective, home based and labour intensive programme.

To our people in the diaspora, we are opening up the State for partnership in education, health, trade, investment and tech innovations. We are creating the enabling environment for multiple cooperation to put our State on the global map of development.

In our drive for a new Osun State, I assure you that we will be fair and inclusive in our actions. Like I noted in my inaugural address as Governor, the election is over. Now is the time for us all to join hands to move the State forward.

I am the Governor of all Osun people and I will serve the State in the spirit of brotherhood, equity, transparency, accountability and fear of God.

I welcome us all to the new year under the umbrella of Almighty God.

Senator Adeleke, Governor, Osun State, delivered this address to the people on New Year’s Day

Jonathan Urges Nigerians To Put Nation First

By
The Source
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0
Goodluck Jonathan

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has urged Nigerians to put the nation first as they explore opportunities that lie before them in the new year, including voting for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

Dr. Jonathan stated this in his new year message in which he noted that the new year holds great possibilities despite the challenges faced by the nation in previous years.

He said: “As a people, we survived the horror of the flood amid other national challenges and lived with hope unto God and faith in our nation.

This year (2023) holds great possibilities for us all. We must harness the opportunities that lie within the length and breadth of our nation. This year is very significant for the survival of our nation. It is an election year, and citizens will go to the polls to elect leaders for different offices.

“We must see the election as an opportunity to birth a new country and overcome the challenges of the past years. Let us put the nation’s interest first in all our conduct this year.”

Below is the full text of the message:  

“Every new day is a gift for which we must show appreciation to God. We thank God for the gift of life and the opportunities the New Year 2023 presents to us as individuals and as a nation.

“Last year was, without a doubt, filled with gains and losses. As a country, we experienced a devastating flood that resulted in the death of many lives and the destruction of properties and sources of livelihood of millions of citizens.

“As a people, we survived the horror of the flood amid other national challenges, lived with hope unto God and faith in our nation, and triumphed into this New Year.

“This year holds great possibilities for us all. We must harness the opportunities that lie within the length and breadth of our nation. This year is very significant for the survival of our nation. It is an election year, and citizens will go to the polls to elect leaders for different offices.

“We must see the election as an opportunity to birth a new country and overcome the challenges of the past years. Let us put the nation’s interest first in all our conduct this year.

“The ballot serves as the most suitable vehicle for achieving our shared dream of peace, justice, unity, and prosperity.

“This year,  let us be purposeful in our actions, abide in faith and love towards God and country and eschew all negative tendencies and sentiments that would diminish our collective fortunes of unity, peace, and progress.”

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